Lessons for writers from Wimbledon Today I watched the greatest example of self-sabotage. It was frustrating because I knew it was coming. It was inevitable but I wish I had been proven wrong. I’m talking about Nick Kyrgios playing in the Gentlemen’s Final of Wimbledon. As I’m writing this, I am aware that he has … Read more
What tool best meets your writing needs? I was asked recently if I thought writers are good conversationalists. My answer. was that, like most people, it depends on who you’re talking to. For example, I am an extreme introvert so I am incredibly awkward when meeting someone new. But once I get to know you, … Read more
I got tired of playing by someone else’s rules There are certain things that you should just never do. One of them is pitching your novel to an editor while they’re in the bathroom. It should go without saying, but it has to be said, because editors like to tell the stories of manuscripts being … Read more
An unexpected opportunity I bought red sheets the other day. I felt super guilty about it. So guilty I almost returned them. It took several hours before I put them on my bed. And then I stayed up extra late because I dreaded going to sleep. How absurd! Why should I feel guilty about buying … Read more
Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Is there a time to set your current novel aside, leave it unfinished, and move on to the next? Normally I’d say, “Finish what you start” and,” You never know what you have until you’ve finished.” But there are times when moving on, for the time-being, or forever, … Read more
When You Can’t Do All The Things Do you ever feel like you’re not doing enough? You’re not a proud workaholic and most days you barely have enough energy to get through your day and write a few pages, never mind hustling to grow your social media following and sell your books in all the … Read more
Survival mode makes it difficult for us to focus on writing. Writing during a pandemic, is difficult. Living in survival mode for any length of time, changes the way society thinks. We stop looking to the future, we end up focussing on getting through, one day at a time. I was fortunate enough to live … Read more
Not every business benefits from the publication of a book. Sam Walton’s biography might grow his personal brand. but I doubt it did much to boost the profile of Wal-Mart. However, for entrepreneurs in personal service industries like coaching, consulting, finance, and in caring professions, among others, writing (and publishing) a book can have a … Read more
Should you take a chance and write the book that has been nagging you at the back of your mind for years? Are thinking about pursuing your writing dreams?
Every time I start writing a new book, I think about who my ideal reader is. That person may change from book to book, but there is always one ideal reader. An Ideal Reader is the person who is going to absolutely fall head-over-heels in love with the writing, the characters, the story. They will … Read more