Heads up! You’ve probably never thought of the concept of defensive writing. Neither had I, until I was on a dog walk–where I do some of my best thinking, especially about blog posts–and realized that I engage in defensive dogging as way to keep us all safe, stress-free, and happy. It didn’t take long to… Continue Reading
The other day, I couldn’t stop thinking about making ice cream. Cream cheese ice cream to be specific, with Kahlua and caramel liqueur mixed in. “You could try using Greek yogurt instead,” I told myself. “That would be better for you.” Having jumped aboard the healthy bus, I took things a step further. “As long… Continue Reading
My writing coach career started a good 25 years ago without my even realizing it. I’d helped a literary agent with her book proposal and then her book. She mentioned me to a colleague who had a client with monster talent but not enough drive or direction. That person was part of a writing group,… Continue Reading
The tomato plant looked like it was dying, with unstaked branches that sprawled across the hot ground. Despite the wilted and soft leaves starting to turn brown, it still sported plenty of shiny red cherry tomatoes. But they wouldn’t last long at this rate, and without a little TLC, its clusters of tiny green balls… Continue Reading
When I self-published my book Busting the Brass Ceiling in 2020, I didn’t expect huge sales. Even though I called in lots of favors and got a lot of discounted editing and design rates, I didn’t even expect to make my money back. That didn’t matter. Or at least it didn’t matter enough to change… Continue Reading
If writing a book tops your list of regrets, you could be missing out on more than you know. These days, more and more people are finding a sense of fulfillment through penning their memoirs. Whether for public or family consumption, the process can be just as illuminating when it comes to self-discovery. Many of… Continue Reading
Like an ambush predator, I’ve been sneaking up on that novel I’ve wanted to write for so long in the hopes of finally creating a story that works. I’m starting to talk about it with friends I met decades ago in the High Sierra town that will be the novel’s setting, and to tap their… Continue Reading
My two-year-old English Cocker Spaniel, Moke, has figured out a life lesson that has eluded many of us. His secret: doing what it takes. Like his older Aussie mix brother, Misha, Moke loves to a killer game of chase. The problem, of course, is that the only time you get to chase is when you… Continue Reading
I often joke that if you’re experiencing writer’s self-doubt, then you must, by definition, be a writer. I’m not sure why we’re all so ridiculously insecure, but that does seem to be the case. If you don’t agree with me, you probably don’t know a lot of writers. Continue Reading
I don’t ever wonder why people would hire a book/writing coach like me. Twenty-five years of helping clients work through their writing struggles and publish their books tells me all I need to know. But if there was any lingering doubt, all I’d have to do is look at myself. Continue Reading
Literary Agent:
Ted Weinstein
Ted Weinstein Literary Management
Mechanics’ Library Building
57 Post Street, Suite 512
San Francisco, CA 94104
tw@twliterary.com
www.twliterary.com