Monthly Archives: December 2011

Don’t Just “Write What You Know”

Posted on December 24, 2011 by

“Write what you know.” It’s a common enough bit of advice.  And it’s true, as far as it goes. It means to pull material from your own life and your own experience.  If you’ve grown up all your life in … Continue reading →

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The Projects that Aren’t

Posted on December 22, 2011 by

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to accomplish.  More pointedly, perhaps, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I do not want to accomplish.  Simply put, I have too many projects and the projects that … Continue reading →

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Lasting Affection

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

Valerie sauntered across the street, her glossy red heels clacking against the pavement in quick, graceful steps.  Charlie leered at her swinging hips and licked his lips.  He moved through darkness, avoiding the glaring sunlight streaming just beyond the store-front … Continue reading →

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Clear Waters

Posted on December 17, 2011 by

Gordo lolled on the edge of the great lake, dangling his feet in its pristine waters.  He closed his eyes and breathed in the unpolluted air.  Slowly, his jangling nerves calmed.  It’s not like he’d thought it would be easy … Continue reading →

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Surfing for Mischief

Posted on December 15, 2011 by

A flower shop seemed like a fine resting place—full of exotic beds and delectable nectars.  Of course, Mother had been telling Zefe, “You’re not so clever as you think.  Take care so as not to outthink yourself!”  But what’s a … Continue reading →

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Review: A Wrinkle in Time

Posted on December 13, 2011 by

When I first read Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, I wouldn’t have imagined it was published 17 years before I was born.  Considering I was 12 years old at the time, the book had been in print more than … Continue reading →

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Dancing with the Muse

Posted on December 10, 2011 by

As I’ve launched myself into this new phase of my writing career—seeking publication opportunities over business clients—I’ve found the moments when my fingers dance to the muse’s tune are growing longer and more frequent.  Even so, it’s important when living … Continue reading →

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Developing Connections

Posted on December 8, 2011 by

Networking is not my strength—at least, not in person.  I find some of the unwritten rules and typical practices involved in in-person networking mystifying.  Yet, developing connections is a very important aspect of building a writing career, especially when you’re … Continue reading →

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A New Business Plan: Part 9—Using Your Plan

Posted on December 6, 2011 by

A business plan is only as good as the use you put it to.  While a business plan is a fluid document you will revisit and revise, it is also a tool you use to plan out the work you … Continue reading →

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A New Business Plan: Part 8—Testing and Refining

Posted on December 3, 2011 by

A good business plan is a fluid document.  It has to be.  No matter how well we plan, we’re going to get some things wrong.   Other things are going to change over time.  We’re going to develop an interest in … Continue reading →

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