by Joy Choquette Whether you want to publish an ebook, be a successful traditionally published author, or finally finish your memoir, you’ve got a big writing dream. If you struggle with productivity due to disorganization, poor systems, or overwhelm, that dream will be harder to reach. You have a lotContinue Reading
Few things are as rewarding or as difficult as a career as an independent writer. Whether you work full-time writing, pen novels on the side, or are an aspiring writer hoping to make a name for yourself, you’re likely striking out on your own to build some type of writingContinue Reading
When I first began writing novels, the most difficult emotional challenge was rejection. I had recently retired from a law teaching career, during which I published several successful casebooks and legal treatises, gaining a reputation as a very good writer. I somehow assumed that kind of success and recognition wouldContinue Reading
Prior to getting published, the biggest emotional challenge was all of the rejection. It is easy to believe that your work really is awful. Now that I’m published I’m reeling from “imposter syndrome.” It took me a month to work up the courage to listen to my own audiobook, becauseContinue Reading
How do you reward yourself for a job well done? You reached your word count for the day. You plotted your novel, finished a chapter, or sent your book off for edits. It’s time to celebrate! So what do you do? Reach for that frosted brownie? Indulge in a bowlContinue Reading
Words come easily for me and I have written all my life. As a child I wrote letters to friends and family. Stamps cost just a nickel and for a quarter I could write and get back five letters and I liked it. My letters were usually three-to-four pages longContinue Reading
No matter where you are in your writing career, you’re going to face obstacles to your creative fulfillment. And you’re going to have to overcome those obstacles—often, repeatedly. I’m excited to share a conversation I recently had with author and podcast host Elena Paige about these obstacles and how toContinue Reading
For me, the biggest emotional challenges of being a writer have been self-doubt and frustration. It’s been a long journey – 20 years, to be precise – from when I first began writing The Wayward Spy to its publication. The years were marked with near successes, gutting disappointments, and uncertaintyContinue Reading
If you want to be successful as a writer, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s not easy in today’s world. Americans have become addicted to comfort. There’s a term for it: “comfort addition.” Like any other, this addiction keeps you seeking the next “hit” rather than makingContinue Reading
Have you tried writing through trauma? Find out how you might turn those early writings into publishable stories. by Nanette Thorsen-Snipes The year was 1975—a year fraught with fear. During an argument one Friday night, my former husband pulled a gun on me, and as I watched in horror, heContinue Reading
Need some help with book design? Graphic designer Carla Green has her own book designing business, and shares some tips with writers. By Carla Green My first jobs out of college were in marketing, and in those roles, I managed to position myself as the liaison with the graphic designContinue Reading
Learning to believe in myself was by far the most difficult hurdle I overcame. My introduction into adulthood started out pretty rough, and while I’d always had the urge to write, I’d internalized a lot of messages I shouldn’t have listened to and allowed them to impact just how vulnerableContinue Reading