“Fun is about as good a habit as there is.” ~Jimmy Buffet, singer & songwriter I know someone who once made this New Year’s resolution: He was going to have more fun. Loved it! I loved it so much I made the same resolution the next year. One of the fun things I did that year: When my kiddos decided …
Video: James Scott Bell’s Best Writing Advice
httpv://youtu.be/8ixZJzrkZ2g Yes, I’m in the thick of the ACFW conference. So I decided to hand this blog off to someone else–namely, best-selling suspense author James Scott Bell. This is, I realize, a calculated risk. Some of you may become Kill Zone converts, the blog JSB contributes to on a regular basis. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Enjoy JSB’s …
In Others’ Words: Friendship
“True friendship is a plant of slow growth.” ~ George Washington, first U.S. president The “who” of this quote surprised me. George Washington talking about friendship? Really–a guy pondering relationships? I expected this quote to be a pearl of wisdom from some other woman who, like me, knows how we women need our girlfriends. Because we do. One thing …
Video: James Scott Bell on Writing Frustration
httpv://youtu.be/fOSR9JcRHTk All writers get frustrated with their stories. Yes, even a best-selling suspense suspense author like James Scott Bell. I enjoyed hearing why he thought frustration was a good thing. And if you want a double-dose if JSB fun, you can read my previous blog post about how he helped me conquer frustration. In Your Words: Ever get frustrated …
In Others’ Words: Home
Photo by John Skiba Photography “My home is not a place, it is people.” ~ Lois McMaster Bujold, American author I had a definitive definition of home for many years–and it was most definitely a place. Then I married my husband, who was in the Air Force. My idea of home had to change. Uncle Sam determined where home was …
In Others’ Words: Life
“A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before, and what you will do in it later.” ~Diana Vreeland, fashion columnist I like to go shopping for new clothes. I like finding something–a cute top, a fun dress–that makes me feel good when I wear …
In Others’ Words: Balance
I’m mulling over blog topics last night with my husband. Our conversation went like this: Me: Maybe I’ll post about how writing affects the family. My husband: That would be a great idea! OK, then. Glad he had an opinion. My writing life–my professional life–frustrates my family at times. Not all the time. At least, I don’t think so. Of …
In Others’ Words: Words
“I like good strong words that mean something.” ~Louisa May Alcott, author Well said, Louisa. That’s a goal worth striving for: As a writer, I want to produce good strong words that mean something. As a woman, I want to speak good strong words that mean something. Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott, was the first book I remember …
Survey Says: Counting the Cost of Writers Conferences
Friends Teri, Pat, Edie and Melissa (the 2010 Frasier winner). A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a survey on writers conferences. Specific question: Why do you attend writers conferences? Today’s question for discussion: What are your major concerns when preparing for a writers conference? Possible answers: Paying for the conference, the travel, and the lodging Pitching my book …
In Others’ Words: Discovery
“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.” ~Henry Ford, American industrialist Fear ruled my life for too many years. Yes, there were reasons for the fear, but still … I look back and think what I lost. Freedom. Emotional and spiritual …