When you're working with a lot of background research, you will bog yourself down if you try to incorporate every shred of evidence or every detail in your rough draft. Not only is that hard and time consuming, it's a sure-fire way to get sidetracked. Here's a more...
Self-publishing is all the rage these days, to the point that self-published books are actually getting recognized by the establishment. Reviewers no longer automatically turn up their noses at a self-published book. Traditional publishers consider adding successful...
Creativity and inspiration notwithstanding, writing often boils down to establishing--and honoring--a routine. That's something my pups know all about. The second I stir in the morning, whether it' s5:30 a.m. or 6:30 a.m. (never any later than that I'm sorry to say),...
I've said it before. We writers are too often filled with regret and self-recrimination. Over the years, I've developed expertise in both. Maybe that's why Ellis' song "Right on Time" makes me want to cry every time I hear it. As I watched Ellis perform the song at...
I can't remember ever feeling so physically tired or emotionally spent. Neither can I remember ever feeling so fulfilled. I recently participated in Challenge Day, which non-profit organization Younity (formerly Serendipity West) brings to Central Oregon every year....
Portland book designer Jennifer Omner, All Publications, included the following information about traditional publishing vs. self-publishing in her newsletter. In the report What Advantages Do Traditional Publishers Offer Authors?, authors were not overly satisfied...
My pack knows how to share. Occasionally one dog attempts to steal an inappropriate nibble from another’s bowl, but they mostly head to their spots and wait for whatever treat is coming their way. When I offer a pan with meat drippings or even a post-dinner plate or...
In honor of American Heart Month and Black History Month, my writing coach client Dr. Surender R. Neravetla has published his second book Salt: Black America's Silent Killer (Health Now Books, 2014) and released the related book trailer (which I helped create). The...
"I want to start a blog for my business," said my newest writing coach client. I had just received an initial batch of sloppy copy for her book and had assumed we would be talking mostly about that. On the other hand, she had mentioned that she wanted to focus on her...
If your writing runs to the creative side—whether fiction or nonfiction—and you live in the Pacific Northwest, you just might want to heed the call for submissions to the Nature of Words' 2014 Rising Star Creative Writing Competition. Oregon, Washington and Idaho...
