Once there was a new writer who attended the Colorado Gold conference. She’d been writing for about two years and had a completed manuscript, which she’d entered in the Colorado Gold contest, but it didn’t place. She’d come with fairly low expectations. Although her coworkers at the library where she worked were convinced this was…
Tag: writing journey
Critique Groups, Part 2: When It’s Time to Quit
As I discussed last month, a critique group is a wonderful thing. I owe much of my technical and professional development over the last few years—as well as countless friendships—to my crit groups. I encourage all new writers to find a group and start critiquing as soon as possible, because in my experience, a good…
10 things to love about RMFW’s Colorado Gold Conference
First, let me get a tissue, for there will be tears. I have attended every RMFW conference since 1997, and this year, I cannot attend. Still months away, the excitement is already simmering—internationally successful authors will speak, knowledgeable educators will present craft and marketing workshops, and capable and inspired conference planners will wow conference attendees…
Being Teachable
I am reluctant to say this, as writing is a very meticulous skill with rules that must be learned and practiced, but here it is: I never graduated high school. Then life happened. I started writing a book in my early 30s. While charisma and the art of storytelling can take you far, if you…
The Business of Patience
This one is about patience. Patience, that is, and hard work. Later this summer, Lake Union Publishing (an Amazon imprint) will publish The Swing of Things. The book represents five years of work by co-writers Linda Hull (former RMFW Writer of the Year) and Keir Graff, an award-winning writer, editor, and big cheese at Booklist. Together,…