As one of the most successful and prolific writers that’s ever lived, I’d say Stephen King is a pretty good source for tips. Source: Business Insider (My thoughts in italics) 1. Stop watching television. Instead, read as much as possible. If you’re just starting out as a writer, your television should be the first thing — Read More
Odd jobs of famous writers
In my last post about the daily lives of famous creatives, I pointed out that many of the greats didn’t have the pleasure/burden of a day job–at least in their heyday. I’m sure most had day jobs at some point. And thanks to the good ol’ Huffington Post, we know what some of those were. — Read More
Daily Lives of Famous Creative People
(If by “regular” and “orderly,” he means “boring,” I’ve got this covered) If you’re like me, you’ve read a great book or listened to a great album and thought, “How the hell did this masterpiece come to be?” It’s only natural to want to peek into the lives of the creators–in search of secrets or — Read More
So, I have an agent.
Let me explain why this is pretty awesome. In my mind, there are 4 big steps for a writer who wants to publish a book with a big publishing house: STEP 1: Write the f-ing book. This involves about a billion sub-steps, which I shudder to think about, let alone list. STEP 2: Get an — Read More
Love letters from famous writers
I gotta say, if you’re a writer, a love letter is a tall order. There are expectations involved. I wrote my own vows when I got married last month, and my now-husband did the same. His friends told him he was crazy to attempt such a thing, since stringing words together is my daily life. — Read More
Remembering Maya Angelou
When we left on our honeymoon, I vowed I would use my phone minimally on the trip. I wanted to disconnect from all the usual distractions–news, social media, email, etc. But, a few days in, like a sick addict, I couldn’t resist pulling up my Facebook feed. And then I saw that Maya Angelou had — Read More
Daily routines of famous writers
I haven’t written a word of fiction in a few weeks now. It’s a much-needed break. I’m getting married this weekend and then going on my honeymoon. I’ll revisit my book after the honeymoon, then get ready to send it out into the world. The other day, though, an idea popped into my head for — Read More
Wedding photos of famous writers
So, I’m getting married in 19 days. I just did that math and had a brief panic attack. I am so glad to have my latest round of book editing done because these wedding details (dress alterations! guest seating assignments! party favors!) are killing every brain cell I have taking up all my time. I — Read More
Bird by bird by bird by bird…
Somehow, despite being busy, I finished editing my book–for now (will there ever be a day when I don’t caveat this with “for now”?). If you asked me how this happened, I would say, “Slowly. One day at a time, AA style.” Or, as Anne Lamott would say, “bird by bird.” I re-read Anne Lamott’s — Read More
Food and fiction
Two things I love. So imagine my excitement when a friend told me about Fictitious Dishes: An Album of Literature’s Most Memorable Meals. It is now in my Amazon cart. The book features meals described in novels you probably know (and may love). It’s the brainchild of Dinah Fried, who cooks, art-directs, and photographs meals — Read More