The Writer’s Life
As a woman writer, do you struggle with self-doubt? If you do, you’re in good company. Female writers are almost always paralyzed by self-doubt, self-criticism, and fear – even the most successful published, most well-read authors. I don’t think male writers struggle with the same self-doubts. Here’s what Lisa Bloom writes in Think: Straight Talk [...]
Need inspiration and courage to keep writing? Heed the great authors of the days of yore. These writing tips and quips are from Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald (he wrote the classic The Great Gatsby). This month on Quips and Tips, I’m featuring quips from mothers who weren’t well-behaved and (as always) practical tips for [...]
Every writer has a different story about how they got started – and each story will inspire you in a different way. Here, a guest author shares how seven successful authors started their writing careers… Whether you’re a budding writer aspiring get published or curious about the mind from which your favourite story came, then [...]
Look at the voice, content, and style of your writing. How has it changed over the years? Here are a few questions to help you assess your writing style – sort of a “before” and “after” look at yourself as a writer, blogger, novelist, or poet. My reason for writing this is a question from [...]
These quotations about writing will inspire you to write more – they’re from famous authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Anne Lamott, Anne Tyler, Erica Jong, John Updike, Julia Cameron, Walt Whitman, and more. To kick things off, here’s one my favorite writing quotes from Annie Dillard: “I don’t do housework. Life is too short and I’m too [...]
Two years ago, my agent stopped trying to sell my nonfiction book because the biggest publishing houses rejected it. Now, I’m sending a revised query letter to different literary agents because I really really want to write this book (under contract with a book publisher)! Back then, I was sorta relieved that a publisher didn’t [...]
If you’re sick of being a “wannabee” writer and tired of wondering where your writing ability went, check out these tips for getting your groove back. They’re inspired by a reader who is both sick and tired… “I have wanted to write ever since I can remember, and I used to write an awful lot [...]
Even the most talented, creative, brilliant writers won’t go far unless they know how to overcome the discouragement of getting rejection after rejection! Talent and creativity isn’t nearly as important as stick-to-it-iveness. Here’s what one poet recently said: “Lately, I’ve been struggling with writer’s block with my poetry,” says M. on my Ask a Question [...]
If you’re a writer who gets overwhelmed when you think of marketing and selling your writing, you’re not alone! Not wanting to promote my writing is why I hesitate to pursue a literary agent and get my books published. Here’s how a fellow writer describes it: “The thought of all the details I must be [...]
