Patty and Roz met through a mutual friend in the mid 1970s. After writing separately for years, they began writing together in the early 1980s. They have five (almost six) books published in “The Val & Kit Mystery Series” (The Disappearance of Mavis Woodstock, The Murder of Susan Reed, DeathContinue Reading
Before I starting getting publishing contracts, I spent a lot of years writing and trying to become a better writer. A lot of years. I submitted to some publishers and agents along the way, but what really helped me to improve my writing was one thing: submitting to contests. Here’sContinue Reading
I used to have three cats—all strays that I had “rescued” over the years—but I’m down to only one, now. Myra was with me for nearly 14 years, and was a master bug catcher and laser light chaser. Sam, my Halloween cat (she showed up all bones around Halloween time)Continue Reading
Creative people often need to say “no” when they say “yes.” Do you know Meghan Trainor’s hit, simply called “NO?” Personally, I can’t help but sing along with the tune. But beyond its catchiness, the lyrics got me thinking: Writers too often say “yes” when they should say “no.” ThisContinue Reading
This season (fall 2015 through spring 2016) is Judge Judith Scheindlin’s 20th as “Judge Judy.” She’s 72 years old and still pulling 10 million viewers every day. The Guinness Book of World Records names her the longest running TV judge. She’s handled over 10,000 cases over about 5,000 shows inContinue Reading
Dads are notoriously hard to shop for. My father was always happy with tools, but then I knew that he had most of the ones he needed, so it was always difficult not to get a duplicate. Any other gift was a gamble. This year I’m thinking about all theContinue Reading
What’s the key to future writing success? It’s the season for planting, and if you’re thinking only about gardens and flowers, it’s time to expand your point of view. The key to writing success lies in planting seeds. It’s what we do today, tomorrow, and next week that determines whatContinue Reading
As a writer, you probably need to generate more energy. You are the generator in your life. The only energy in it comes from you. Don’t believe me? Spend a couple days depressed, tired, or apathetic. What happens in your world? Everything slows down, right? Sometimes it may come toContinue Reading
Would you believe that over 80 authors have appeared on Writing and Wellness over the last almost two years? From those features have come a lot of inspiring, witty, and relatable quotes, so I thought it would be fun to include a collection of them here. Of course I couldn’tContinue Reading
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” ~ Charles M. Schulz “One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” ~ J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneContinue Reading
If you want to keep writing during the holidays, we have 10 tips to help you out on another post. But what if you just want to rest and recharge? Will that help or hurt your writing when you do return to it? Guest author Lorrie Thomson shares her thoughtsContinue Reading
What’s the best way to ensure you continue to succeed as a writer, for years to come? You must learn to celebrate your accomplishments. Really celebrate. If you think back over the past year, you’re likely to remember some of the things you accomplished. Maybe you started a daily writingContinue Reading