Writing needn't always be made out to be a nose-to-the-grindstone, make-it-or-break-it cram session. I have a few cheap-o tricks for making writing feel special and not rushed. Does it take away some of the grit? Sure. But I don't always want to write in the gutter. Sometimes I like nice hand lotion and a quiet space.
Read more5 things editors wish creative writers knew
While creative writers rock my socks off, there are five things I wish they understood about our work together to make our projects run more smoothly. Here's a little glimpse behind the curtain (j/k, you know I'm an open book).
Read moreWhat is the unknown territory of your writing?
There were many, many years in your favorite writer's life when she didn't have any books published. She just had a collection of ideas, like you. Like all of us who want to become better at our vocation.
What feels like the biggest hurdle for you right now? Are you too busy trying to survive it with the tools you already have to put a name to it, break it down and tackle it?
Read moreAnatomy of a manuscript submission
Each literary magazine or writing contest has its own rules for how submissions should be formatted. Some want pages numbered, others want cover pages, most want cover letters, while still others think cover letters are outdated. It's crucial that you read each opportunity's guidelines so your submission isn't rejected for simply being improperly formatted.
Read more7 missteps that trip your query letter (and how to prevent them)
There are seven mistakes I see time and again with query letters to literary agents, missteps that will prevent your great work from reaching its audience. Let's chat through them so we make sure your query letter isn't one of the uh-ohs.
Read moreThe complete guide to outsourcing your content marketing
Consumers are looking to build relationships with brands they trust, and that requires an ongoing conversation -- one that continues on your company blog, in your social feed, over email and beyond.
Many businesses and marketers struggle to keep up with the demand for new content. Outsourcing that content's creation is one solution to continue building customer relationships while keeping your wits about you.
Read moreWhere to submit your work: 21 places that want your fiction
Here, because your work deserves to be read, are 21 opportunities to submit in what remains of April and May. That's 21 chances you could be published, win a prize, be recognized for being the kick-ass talent you and I know you are.
Read moreThis again? 7 myths about writers to ignore
Everyone everywhere feels misunderstood in some way. Does it help to hear that, to know that one thing we have in common is feeling like others don't grasp what we feel most profoundly? Here are the seven myths about writers I find myself correcting on the regular.
What myths have you heard? Let's set them straight.
Read moreThe simplest way to keep track of writing submissions
Having an organized way to keep track of your submissions to literary magazines, agents and writing contests means no oopsies in front of people you admire and greater sanity for yourself.
Read moreIs your work ready to be submitted?
Not even Shakespeare moved forward with his first draft. Before submitting your work anywhere, slash that story to bits. Delete lazy words. Remove the boring scenes and puffy over-explanations that we all write when caught up in that ever-alluring inspiration.
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