These are stressful times, particularly if you live in the epicenter of an outbreak. Many of us are under quarantines, mandatory or recommended, and the sense of dread can feel overwhelming. How are you doing? What are you doing to keep your head afloat? What do you need? I’m especially grateful for the writing community […]
The Writing Life
What will you write during the pandemic?
You probably know Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as one of the greatest novels of all time, but did you know it was written during a pandemic? The eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia in 1815 caused the quaint-sounding “Year Without a Summer” in 1816, which in reality meant rampant crop failures, famine, and horrific cholera and […]
What’s the right etiquette for authors leaving reviews?
Here’s a perennially difficult topic for authors to navigate: how do you handle reviewing books online? If you’re asked to review something in the New York Times or some other prominent place, that’s one thing. But what about more casual reviews like on Amazon and Goodreads? Literary agent Janet Reid says she wouldn’t take on […]
What are your writing New Year’s resolutions?
We’re on the cusp of a new decade, so it’s a time for reflection. Also champagne. What are your resolutions for the new year, writing and otherwise? Mine include: Finish revising my new novel Rethink my social media presence Publish two new writing guides Better carbon offsetting for travel What about you? Art: Woodblock by […]
What’s your favorite beverage to drink with a good book?
There’s still time to enter the humorous book title challenge for a chance to win a gift certificate to your favorite bookstore! When the weather turns cold there are few more enjoyable things in life than cozying up next a fireplace or under a warm blanket, pouring a comforting beverage, and reading a good book. […]
Gifts for writers! (A tongue-in-cheek holiday gift guide)
It’s holidays time and literally everyone on the internet who produces #content is posting their holiday gift guides chock full of dubious products and affiliate links. Most of these gift guides are earnest and sincere. This one is not. Behold! A real holiday gift guide for writers. Click on the pictures if you actually want […]