There’s a car dealer in this area whose theme is “It’s hot, (dealer’s name)!” At one time, I determined I would never buy a car from this dealer because I grew so sick of hearing “it’s hot!” over and over again when the ads ran during the TV shows I watched. The dealer yelled at […]
transformational words
Weather Records Fall: Where’s the Story in That?
I’m late posting this article because of the weather. Yeah, that’s one of those chestnuts right up there with “the dog ate my homework.” But it really was the weather. We’re finally getting some thunderstorms and intermittent rain in our area. Of course, it comes down too fast and hard to soak into the hard soil […]
Revisiting Goals: A Chance to Start Over
The mid-year mark came and went, almost without notice. But I caught it sneaking past from the corner of my eye, and realized it’s time to revisit my goals. I know you’re thinking I’m really overdoing it with the goals theme. But it’s important to your writing career to know where you stand. I’ll go […]
Day Fifteen – Serve Your Fellow Writers; Serve the World
This is my favorite of the 15 Habits of Great Writers. Writing is my gift. I’m grateful every day for the ability to put words together in a way that entertains, inspires and motivates people. My writing provides the opportunity to serve other writers, my community, and the planet through sharing causes of interest to […]
Day Fourteen – Branded: Your Face in the World
One thing is sure. We’re responsible for our own success. Therefore, we will brand ourselves, and do it gladly and brilliantly. Today, publishers don’t allocate time or money to promote every single book that leaves their house. The sheer volume of books published each day means the publisher reserves its support for their biggest clients. The […]
Day Thirteen – Slay Your Dragons and Publish
Have you been there yet? In that breathless moment when the magazine shows up in your mailbox, or the book arrives by special delivery. Have you stood in that moment where you feel as though you’re floating when you eagerly thumb through a publication until you reach familiar words? You’re published, and this is the first […]
Day Twelve – Provoke a Reaction
Provoke: Excite to some feeling or action. ~ Webster’s New World Dictionary The books that provoke the deepest response from me engage my emotions. Same with movies and music. It’s great to enjoy something for sheer entertainment. But it won’t make an iota of difference in my life unless it moves me to […]
Day Eleven – When De-Clutter Gets In The Way of De-Writing
Jeff Goins tells me that my next step on the road to becoming a Master Writer is to declutter. Ouch! I searched for a while, but didn’t find the camera he must have installed in my office. I’m a visual person, with memory problems from a blow to the head. The clutter around me is […]
Day Ten – You Won’t Feel a Thing: Sharing Is Painless
Which of these excuses have you heard or used yourself? “Oh, I can’t share my real self with my readers. They might not like who I am.” Or… “Oh, I can’t share anything with my writers’ group. They’re all so far ahead of me. I’d be embarrassed for them to see what I’ve written.” Or… […]
Day Seven – Perfection Can’t Make It: Just Start
I was just sittin’ ‘round waitin’ for Perfection to show up and make my writin’ glow. You know what I mean? And I’d been waitin’ quite a spell, let me tell you, so I moved from the office chair to the sofa, and back again. A few times. Since I was back at the desk, […]