There’s nothing like a cup of coffee to get the writing juices flowing. Ever the optimist, Albert Camus once posed the burning (or should I say, brewing) question: “Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee?” What the oft-quoted prolific writer, who denied he was a philosopher, seemed to say has been the…
I’m a writer who can’t seem to stay with a project long enough to complete a whole novel. I’ve determined to finish at least one of my languishing projects before 2022; to that end, I composed a list of 20 tips for getting it done. Develop a writing routine—even a loose and flexible writing routine…
I love school. Always have, always will. I’d hazard a guess that most writers do; after all, what is school if not an excuse to spend hours reading and writing? We may not always appreciate the deadlines and assessments, but let’s be honest, most of us could use a little external pressure when it comes…
How to get your WIP (Work In Progress) in shape… or, you aren’t done when your think you’re done! Too many new independent authors finish their first draft and immediately publish it on KDP or Smashwords. That’s not a great idea. Books typically go through multiple levels of review and revision before they’re ready to…
I’m just winding down from my first in-person writing retreat in what seems like fifty years. This one was within driving distance of my home in Milwaukee, was small (14 people) and affordable and I have to tell you, it reminded me of all the reasons I’m such a conference junkie. Yes, I’m that person…