The final stages of writing a book are always the most nerve-wracking

The final stages of writing a book are always the most nerve-wracking

Posted inRandom Musings, Writing
The last few hundred yards of a marathon are always the toughest. Well, okay, I've never run a marathon and doubt I could run more than a block and a half even if being chased by knife-wielding ducks, but you get my point*. I'm currently under contract with Rowman & Littlefield, and have been neck deep in writing a manuscript since last August, due to be delivered by May 1. (I'd love to be able to announce what it is, but have to wait until they release the information first.) I'm almost there. Being immersed in a big project is…
It’s three years and counting working for myself, and that’s amazing

It’s three years and counting working for myself, and that’s amazing

Posted inRandom Musings, Writing
Now entering four years. Should have posted something about this in October, but forgot to. In mid-October 2014, I quit my full-time job in marketing to start working for myself. It was a decision I had long pondered. A few years prior, my work situation has changed drastically and suddenly after 13 years with the same company, and while at the time I was blindsided, it was a good thing. Kicked me out of a rut. I had been deeply unhappy and seeking change, and suddenly change was forced on me. It was a blessing. Almost got caught in a…
Being focused on a new book is a wonderful challenge, when I can actually FOCUS on it

Being focused on a new book is a wonderful challenge, when I can actually FOCUS on it

Posted inBooks & Authors, Random Musings, Writing
For those of you who don't know, I'm under contract for my next book. Have been working on it since July-ish (though actually much longer). I'm wrapping up the first draft of chapter eight today, and if all goes well, I'll have rough skeletons of the next two done by the end of the weekend. I am, so far, remaining on schedule - and I'd better be, since I'm under contract. It feels good. I just wish that feeling wasn't so fleeting. Between my freelance work and social media work and podcasts and Youtube videos and managing a garden too…
How Can I Get Inspired To Write?

How Can I Get Inspired To Write?

Posted inContributed Posts, Writing
Contributed Post Credit: Whether you’re a blogger, novelist, or screenwriter, getting into the writing mood is often the hardest step of all. Every writer goes through stages where they feel uninspired or lacking in motivation, and it can result in very real problems. Lacking inspiration is different to having writer’s block, which I believe is just an excuse not to work. Rather than struggling for ideas, you simply cannot be bothered to get started on them. This can occur for many reasons. Whatever the source of those troubles might be, finding a way out of the slump is vital. Once…
Going Back To Basics To Make You A Better Writer

Going Back To Basics To Make You A Better Writer

Posted inContributed Posts, Writing
Contributed Post Whether you write creatively, write for business or just write for fun - it never hurts to brush up on your skills. All writers should assess their writing from time to time to see if it could be better. Just like a chef uses ingredients to make a dish - your ingredients might all be there, but the method could need some work. Going back to basics is a great way to refresh your skills and help make you a better writer. Read on for some great tips on how to improve your writing. Read more If you…