Situation: I’m in the second draft of my work in progress. My characters travel across country, from Iowa to California. Dilemma: I’ve either a) never been to the locations where my characters stop along the way, or b) it’s been so long the places are dim in my memory. SolutionContinue Reading
I’m a big believer that the quality of my work is directly related to how my body feels, so I try to be good to myself. Exercise makes me a better writer, so I typically fit something in every day. A good workout is like a mind cleanse; it resetsContinue Reading
I heard a radio commercial the other day that got my attention. I remember little about the product they were advertising, other than it had something to do with RVs, but I do remember one line: Do you look forward more to starting your day, or to ending it? IContinue Reading
My biggest physical challenge since I’ve begun writing full time is being indoors for so much of the day. I’ve tried working outside in nice weather, but I can’t seem to do any meaningful writing, just light, daydreamy work, though it’s a good place to edit. Deeper work eludes meContinue Reading
Forest bathing—it’s something I’ve done many times, but I didn’t realize I was doing it. You don’t need a washcloth, soap or shampoo—just a good pair of walking shoes, some comfortable clothes, and all your stress and anxiety. That’s because forest bathing—or as it’s more commonly known, “taking a walkContinue Reading
I think stiffness is the biggest physical challenge of being a writer. We sit for hours at a time, hunched over a desk. I write all of my first drafts and take research notes with pen and paper, which alleviates the eye strain from looking at a screen. Still, IContinue Reading
Are you facing a decision but just aren’t sure which way to go? Here’s one thing that may help: calm any emotions you may be feeling. Emotions have a way of interfering with the internal signal from your inner voice, or intuition. Think of your mind as a radio, andContinue Reading
I told my friend Kelly I was working on a piece about writing and wellness and she said, “Fiction, right?” If there’s anything physically healthy in the act of writing, I haven’t found it. I live too much in my mind. I suffer from “cerebral congestion”—an occupational hazard of bothContinue Reading
I have to admit it. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have a body. Then I could work on a project as long as I wanted to without worrying about a sore neck, sore back, tight hamstrings, sagging muscles, dry eyes, and all the rest. This is especially true when I’mContinue Reading
I’ve enjoyed subscribing to C. Hope Clark’s “Funds for Writers” for over a decade. This mystery writer’s stories of how she’s dealt with the challenges of the writing life are always inspiring, plus I learn of several new contests, freelance markets, and publishers through her listings. Along the way, HopeContinue Reading
I got a chance to re-watch a few scenes from M. Night Shyamalan’s movie “Unbreakable” awhile back. I’ve always liked the film, but this time I realized what a great illustration it is of someone desperate to find his purpose in the world—in this case, the antagonist, Elijah, played byContinue Reading
Some people may find this difficult to fathom, but being a full-time writer can put quite a strain on the body. When I’m really into my work, time ceases to exist. I can go hours without moving, and that’s not healthy. It’s bad for circulation and creates all kinds ofContinue Reading