on April 17, 2018

4 Steps to Help You Become a Badass Version of You

The teenage years can be some of the best or worst of your life. Or you might just survive with a few good memories and not too much humiliation. But no matter where you are on the spectrum, this is the time to start determining and designing the kind of human you want to be. Yes, it’s up to you—no one else. Becoming awesome and being a badass takes intention – and years of it. If you don’t think about it now, you’ll more easily fall and follow, because you will be reacting to the world, not acting in the world. So what can you do to make the most of the awesome years ahead? You need to vision yourself….Read More

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on December 23, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Eleven For Your Writer Friend

It’s too late to order online, but go to any brick and mortar bookstore and you will find an entire section on Writing! You can’t go wrong. Include a gift receipt just in case they have that one already. Books About Writing: What they are: Books that will give you real detail or a master class to advance your writing. There are also books on contracts and editors/agents, but those have a shorter shelf life than something on craft. Why they’re great: Similar to magazines, there is information and inspiration, but books will generally have deep knowledge you can refer to over and over again. I often pull out a book from my shelf when I think I’m missing something, can’t…Read More

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on December 22, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Ten For Your Writer Friend

Writers get inspiration from everywhere, and everything is research. They also have to keep up with the business side of writing. Consider supporting their efforts and ongoing growth by getting them a magazine subscription to their favorite writing or research publication. Trade or Research Magazine Subscriptions: What they are: Magazines for writers on the craft, the business, and the writing life. Romance Writers Report is part of your annual membership to RWA (Romance Writers of America) Optionally, if they are mystery writers, or have some common theme, you might subscribe them to Forensics Monthly, FBI Weekly, etc. Why they’re great: In addition to the information, they provide an important connection the broader writing community that is imperative for people who…Read More

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on December 22, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Nine For Your Writer Friend

Let’s say your writer friend already has a happy mug. Or maybe you found the perfect one for them, but you want to get something else. The perfect desk accessory to go with a mug… The Desk Mug Warmer: What they are: A small warmer that you plug in, with a heating element just big enough to set your mug or teacup on. It keeps the drink warm longer. Why they’re great: It keeps your drink warm longer! How often do you take a couple sips, then get into a scene and before you know it, your drink is cold? No need to worry about that if you have a mug warmer. The other reason why it’s great – it…Read More

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on December 21, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Eight For Your Writer Friend

Let’s face it, staring a computer every day can take a toll on your eyes. Or maybe you are a reader, editor, proofer, or reviewer – how are your poor eyes doing? Are you starting to experience a light blur even when you make the text bigger on screen? It might be time for the somewhat dreaded, reading glasses. Funky Reading Glasses or Magnifying Accessories: What they are: A specially treated glass that makes type and other stuff look bigger. Why they’re great: Funky reading glasses are much more fun than a plain pair you pick up at the drugstore. They make you look stylish and feel uber smart. And you can tilt your head to glance over your glances and…Read More

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on December 21, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Seven For Your Writer Friend

Every writer has their caffeine vise, whether it’s coffee, tea, or cocoa. So get them something unique to enjoy their drink from. When you are at your desk a lot, it’s nice to have an attractive setting. and part of that is your lucky mug, or antique teacup to keep you company during the long stretches. Specialty Drinking Accessories: What they are: A container to hold and drink from. Kind of an easy one. Why they’re great: It’s really the thought you put into it that makes it great. You can design a mug and write a message on it or order one with a message. You can shop antique stores for an unusual teacup and even mix and match the…Read More

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on December 18, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Six For Your Writer Friend

Writers don’t always subscribe to the most ergonomic work choices, and even when they do, their hands get tired. There’s an ache that can be felt at the base where the thumb meets the palm, that only a good massage can help. But who has time for daily massage? Instead here is a gift that is healing and preventative… Chinese Medicine Balls What they are: Also known as Boading balls 保定健身球, after the city where they are made, you will recognize these as Chinese medicine balls. They are small enough to hold in one hand. Originally made from iron, most are steel these days, and I’ve seen some that are solid jade. The steel balls contain a chime that sounds when the…Read More

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on December 16, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Five For Your Writer Friend

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Four For Your Writer Friend You’ve written your book, you’re doing promo, you’ve updated your business card, butnow, how do you carry your card or display that shiny new badge of honor to make sure you actually make use it? The Business Card Holder What it is: This is a small holder that sits on your desk or that you can carry in your purse or murse, to display or protect your business card. Why it’s great: For the purse, it means your cards are always in pristine condition and don’t get bent, worn, spotted, etc. As a display on your desk or in your office, it’s a reminder of your accomplishments and can be reflective of your personality and sense…Read More

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on December 15, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Three For Your Writer Friend

Yesterday I recommended journals, so to really enjoy the luxury and special time you have to write in a journal, today I’m recommending writing instruments – in particular – pens! A nice pen, that moves smoothly across the paper, and has enough weight and size, can feel really amazing in your hand. Think about the moment when the writer autographs a book. All writers need a special pen for that! Maybe someday there will only be digital autographs, but we’re not there yet. Consider a nice pen or pen set for your literary genius. The Pen What it is: Um, okay. A pen is basically an instrument for writing with ink. Usually there is a metal nib or ball, or a nylon tip,…Read More

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on December 14, 2015

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Two For Your Writer Friend

Writers might use their computers to write, but there are few who don’t love the texture, movement, and freedom of curling up in a chair and dabbling with words, thoughts, or ideas without the constraint of pressing ‘save’. Which leads me to the gift which is an obvious classic – the journal. The Journal What it is: Okay, let’s face it. It’s a stack of blank paper held together by binding, with a cover of some kind, preferably a unique one. Why it’s great: It’s not just paper! It’s a home for your dreams, goals, and deepest desires. It’s the repository for all your great one-liners. It’s the place where you can secretly write a chapter at the beach because you promised your…Read More

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