By Sherry Comstock. Dinner is over, the dishwasher is loaded and dusk is falling. I sit in my armchair reading. My phone rings and I answer, even though I don’t recognize the number. I usually let these calls go to voicemail. But I didn’t tonight. A woman asks to speak to me and hesitates as I ask who’s calling. I get ready to do my usual “No, thank you” speech I reserve for telemarketers.
By Elisa Lorello. In 2007-2008, blogging was the thing. If you were an aspiring author, a more established author, editor, or publisher would advise you to “Start a blog so you can get your work out there and build a following before you publish your book.” Professionals, literary agents, consultants, etc., also used blogs as a means of attracting clients, speaking engagements, and even book contracts.
By Karine Armen. Are you more productive in the morning or the evening? Can you write at a cafe, or do you need a quiet work area? Two years ago, I retired from teaching elementary school in Glendale, California. I traveled to many countries and started writing for a weekly newspaper covering art and cultural events. Despite having more time, balancing my schedule of socializing, writing, and physical activity was not easy. Self-discipline can be challenging. I needed a better routine.
By Rita Lewis. I recently went on vacation for a month in the French Alps. (Tough, I know, but someone has to do it!) When I set off, I had optimistic plans for lots of productive, sunshine-y writing sessions on some mountainside. I took laptop, notes, paper and pens and pencils. I was ready.