AZ State Library Writer in Residence 2023
Writer in Residence 2023 - A Grand Start I am a few weeks into my stint as a 2023 Arizona State Library Writer in Residence at the Chandler, AZ Library. Things are going great. I have taught a couple of writing workshops and consulted with about...
Taking a Mini-Writing Retreat
Why a Mini-Writing Retreat? Sometimes you just need a break. The word retreat is defined by Merriam-Webster as the “act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable.” And one way Dictionary.com defines retreat as "the act of withdrawing, as into safety or...
5 Things I Learned Writing Blood From a Rose
Here are 5 Things I learned Writing Blood From a Rose: I learn something with every story, every poem, every book. Every time I sit down and write out an aspect of what I think or who I am or just let me imagination run wild...
How Long Does It Take To Write A Book?
As an author (and also as a book coach), I get asked this question a lot. How long does it take to write a book? It's an interesting question. One that I think is driven by both curiosity and, when it is an aspiring author doing...
CONQUERING REVISION
Congratulations on completing a draft of your current WIP (Work in Progress)! Now you’ll want to revise and polish your writing to make your story shine. It's time to conquer revision. After all, writing is rewriting. There are a number of ways to approach the revision process, but I...
Understanding Pacing
Pacing is an important component of effective writing, but what exactly is it and how can we use it to the best advantage in our writing? I was on a recent call with a group of book coaching colleagues where we got into an in-depth discussion on...
Word-Nerds Unite! Affiliate with Supportive People and Organizations
Anyone who knows me, knows I am an eclectic and voracious reader, a writer/author, a book coach, editor, and writing mentor/teacher. In short, I am a word-nerd. I also like to affiliate with supportive people and organizations. I have loved words since the days when, in...