The biggest emotional challenge of being a writer occurred when I was shopping an older draft of my first Skylar Robbins mystery, Skylar Robbins: Secret Agent. It took weeks, even months to hear back from prospective agents, and they hated it when an author submitted simultaneously to more than one.Continue Reading
What do you struggle with as a writer? When I asked myself that question, my immediate answer was “marketing.” I’m sure a lot of authors would agree with me. I enjoy certain things I do that are considered marketing—like staying active on social media, maintaining a robust blog and newsletter,Continue Reading
I am about to release my fifth picture book (100 Things) as an author and illustrator and I can honestly say that with each book I have had a different set of personal, professional and emotional challenges to tackle. But the very first book, Outside, Inside (2015), set the baselineContinue Reading
You’ve been working on your latest writing project for a while now, and your motivation is waning. You still believe in it. You still want to take it all the way through to “the end,” but lately the fire has dimmed in your heart. What’s happened, and how can youContinue Reading
One of my favorite author interviews took place back in 2015, with Karen Jones Gowen. As a writer and a publisher, she had a unique take on the whole “writing life” experience, because she’d seen it from both sides. She spoke about the challenges writers have fitting writing in withContinue Reading
There are several things writers need to learn that we can learn from smart moms. After all, how often have you, as a writer, called your book your “baby?” A lot of us do it, because we put so much of ourselves into our work. We talk about “conceiving” ideas,Continue Reading
Are you in a writing funk? You may not have noticed it creeping up on you. Then one day, you’re no longer excited about your writing. You may go so far as to say that you don’t really care if you write or not. What’s going on? Should you beContinue Reading
The sun’s rays gleam through the picturesque window as her fingers click the keys. A steaming cup of coffee sits within arm’s reach, and her calico cat sleeps on her lap. She languidly types on, the story flowing from her mind onto the screen. She smiles to herself. Her masterpieceContinue 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
What increases your stress, causes aches and pains, and messes with your sleep? Gadgets. Computers. Tablets. Smartphones. Overuse of these tools can also lead to burnout, and we all know that writers are especially susceptible because of all the tasks on our plates these days. There’s no doubt that onContinue Reading
Rejection. Ack! Poor review. Help! Lackluster sales. Eek! Writer’s block. Ugh! What’s the cure for all these writer afflictions? Appropos for this time of year: Gratitude. Practicing an attitude of gratitude can save a writer on many occasions. Ready to throw in the towel or tear your hair out? TakeContinue Reading
For me the biggest physical challenges come from my eleven years dealing with incurable lymphoma, and two (so far) courses of chemotherapy, which have left permanent side effects such as weight gain from high dose steroids, trouble with concentration, and now shaky hands. Eating as healthy as possible, walking, andContinue Reading