Just Write the D*mn Story!

Writing is a process, one that is multi-faceted and complex. Some writers love the beginning stages of creating a story. They have a million ideas that never make it to the page. Others love getting that first draft down, writing like they’ll be shot at dawn if they don’t get the thing on paper. Others love to revise, layer, create … Read More

Show, Don’t Tell

Ah, the blessed mantra of the writer–show, don’t tell. It’s chanted in fifth-grade classrooms all across the nation, and yet, even seasoned writers struggle with the concept. The difference between telling and showing Most young writers think of “telling” like a police report. It’s a monotonous sequence of events with no language that would sway the reader emotionally one way … Read More

Outside My Comfort Zone

I was raised in an era where photos were taken with an honest-to-God camera, film and all. Filters were for furnaces, family videos were only for rich people, a brand was for putting on cows, and selfies sounded like something that should be done in the privacy of your own room. It’s not that I’m reaching the octogenarian stage of … Read More

Fighting Imposter Syndrome

According to dictionary.com, imposter syndrome is defined as “anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success, while falsely attributing one’s accomplishments to luck or other external forces.” I define it as one giant mind fuck. I’ve struggled with it for years. First in music, then teaching, and now as a writer. My … Read More

Five Things Successful Authors Do

This past decade has seen a ton of changes in the bookish world. Technology assured indie authors had a voice at the table, and Amazon turned the publishing industry on its ear. We saw the end of great brick-and-mortar stores while digital books rose at unprecedented rates. Gone were the gatekeepers of old, and in their place a new paradigm. … Read More

Five Top Places to Review Books

Reviews have become a staple in our lives. Want to try out the new restaurant down the street? Hop on Yelp and see how many stars they have. Looking for a plumber, or electrician? Check Angieslist or homeadvisor and see what others have said. Today, more than ever, reviews play a critical role in the lives of small business owners … Read More

Five Tips to Write for Life

There’s a thread weaving through Facebook that I’m enjoying these days. Writers from all walks of life are sharing their top five writing tips and secrets, and then they challenge another five writers to do the same. I’ve been following the threads like a hound chasing rabbits, loving the snippets of insight and advice from the authors that I admire. … Read More

What Inspires Your Muse?

I spent all day yesterday carefully crafting a post. After a few hours of intentional word choice, I had a pretty good piece … a hook at the beginning, compelling words, well written, downright insightful at times. The problem was, it sounded stuffy and pretentious, even to me. As most of you know, I’m a vocalist, and I started remembering all … Read More