Two weeks ago, me, Kyle and Yoshi – along with Kyle’s momma, Sharon, and uncle Jimmy – made the 24-hour drive to our new residence, San Tan Valley, AZ. A common question we’re getting from people we meet here and…
Takeaways from Des Moines Writers’ Day
No matter what profession you’re in or what hobbies you pursue, connecting with like-minded people in your area can help you grow in so many ways. Writing – whether you pursue it as a profession or hobby – is a…
2016: The Year in Writing
Back in January, 2016 wasn’t looking so good. I had my wedding to look forward to, but the year was off to a bad start. Kyle and I had celebrated New Year’s on a party bus with about 40 of our…
A Writer’s Favorite Things: 15 Gifts for Writers
What does a writer like? You might think notebooks, pens, books…and you’re definitely right, these are great gifts for writers. But if you want to really surprise the writer on your Christmas list, think beyond the general act of writing. How can…
Six Healthy Habits That Kept Me Sane Through a Busy Summer
Weddings, graduations, ball games, work – the summer months are not only the best, but usually the busiest. You know that everything you have lined up on your calendar is going to be fun, but just the visual of one blocked-out weekend after…
Jenny Lawson: Tips on Writing and Blogging
What may start as a fun, hobby-based or stress-relieving blog can often serve as the foundation for a best-selling book. Look at the success of Julie Powell’s Julie and Julia and Tim Ferris’ 4-Hour Work Week. The same happened for the humorous…
Is Writing Hard?
During a recent long car trip out of state with my fiance, I sat in the passenger seat typing away on my Chromebook, sighing here, laughing there, oohing and aahing at other points. I shared with Kyle the deadlines I had to meet…
Set Yourself Up for Success with the DIY MFA Book
Since graduating with my bachelor’s degree five years ago, I have been debating whether to enroll in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in creative writing. The idea of it sounds absolutely blissful to me–honing the craft, develop my…
How to Find Your Best Practices as a Writer
Like many writers, I am always looking for advice on how to boost my word count. I consult magazines, blogs and websites to learn the answers to the ever-popular questions: How often should I write? How many words do I…
Reader to Writer: My Origin Story
There’s a common myth among writers that people were born with the talent to write. My mom has always told me that I have a “gift” in writing, and while I enjoy compliments, I have to argue that I wasn’t…