on March 6, 2018

3 Attitudes that Hold You Back

Before I got my first publishing deal, I was attending conferences with zeal and trying to learn everything possible about the craft and business of writing. At one such conference there was a session you could sign up for, where in a small group, you would read the first ten pages of your manuscript, and an editor who acquired in your genre would give you notes. It was terrifying. I really wanted to throw up. The only comfort was that all the other writers were equally green – except for the one who went to drama school and couldn’t wait to perform her masterpiece. You know the one. We went alphabetically by title, so I was first. I read my… Continue Reading

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on January 26, 2018

Day One or One Day. You Decide.

We all have that thing that we put off, dream about, or push to the side and say, “one day…” What’s yours? As I write this month it is knowing that the year before me will be a time of great change—much of it transforming my life in ways I don’t even know yet. My “one day” is drawing near. Last year was my year of gratitude and it truly changed how I feel about everything. I enter this year of change with immense gratitude for all the changes I will make and need to make this year. My first big change: I resigned January 5th from my job with Walt Disney Imagineering where I designed and developed attractions and… Continue Reading

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on December 24, 2015

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

There’s so much you can give to a writer friend that shows you were thinking of them, and that you support their endeavors. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of seeing that special trinket and including a note that says, “Thought of you.” Here are some to give you just a few ideas of what might end up on a writer’s shelf. The cost can be anything from $2.99 to $40.00. You can find a lot of fun things in that range. Here are a few. Trinkets: Don’t Forget To Enter My Contest! One person will win a $100 USD Amazon Gift Card to replenish their wallet after the holidays! Subscribe to my mailing list here, and follow me on Twitter…. Continue Reading

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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… Continue Reading

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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… Continue Reading

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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… Continue Reading

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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… Continue Reading

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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… Continue Reading

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on December 17, 2015

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

Spell check, grammar check, synonyms, homonyms, rhymes, inspiration for your characters to quote – these are all nice references to have handy when you are sitting at your desk. Which leads us to ideas for the 5th Day of Pre-Christmas! Reference Books for Writers What they are: Books that are tools. Yes, you can get a lot of information online, but online you need to know what you are looking for and type it in. With the book you can browse and discover things you didn’t know you wanted. Why they’re great: “It’s so great out today it makes me feel great, and even greater would be a great cup of coffee.” Hmmm. What’s wrong with this sentence. That’s right, who wants… Continue Reading

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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,… Continue Reading

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