Lillie A writer friend e-mailed me recently and asked for advice on finding a part-time telecommuting writing job. As I prepared my answer, I checked the Resources for Writers page on my Web site to make recommendations. In the process, I checked all the links … and of course found some dead links. Sites – even good ones … Read more
I’ve been following a discussion on a writers e-mail list. Must writers follow all the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation or do the rules stifle the writer’s creativity? Some writers consider themselves artists who can’t be restricted by rules, while others consider themselves craftsmen bound by conventions. I fall in the middle – as … Read more
Usually I’m very disciplined in my work and always meet deadlines. But the last few weeks I’ve fallen behind on projects that don’t have firm deadlines because “life got in the way.” My husband Jack has had health problems, and taking care of him has been a higher priority than work. I’ve managed to meet all deadlines … Read more
I’m editing a manuscript on using Biblical principles to overcome the everyday problems of life. It’s an excellent guide to dealing with challenges from a Biblical perspective. My friend Fr. Jerry Sherbourne introduced me to the author, Ben Ferguson. Fr. Jerry had met Ben, who is known as “the pastor to our pastors in camo,” through Adopt-a-Chaplain (AAC). … Read more
In an earlier post, I talked about the value of critique groups. I failed to mention one important benefit: brainstorming. In a critique group, you can tell your fellow writers if you’re stuck on something or if you’re trying to decide between two storylines, scenes, or options. The whole group pitches in with suggestions, reactions, … Read more
As mentioned earlier, most of my clients come from referrals. A few come from search engines and expand my circle of connections greatly. The third way clients connect with me is through barter exchanges. I belong to two such exchanges: Alamo Barter Corporation (ABC) and ITEX. I originally joined ABC back when I owned my … Read more
In the last post, I talked about the main way clients and I connect: referrals. Today, I’ll talk about a different way of connecting that happens much less often. Clients don’t often find me through search engines, but when they do, my circle of connections is greatly expanded. In late 2004, I received a phone … Read more
One of my clients is an executive coach, Barbara A. F. Greene, MCC. She always talks about connecting rather than networking. Networking often turns into an exercise of making contacts for the benefit of the person making the contact, but connecting brings people together in win-win situations. Thinking about this, I considered how my clients find me … Read more
You probably know by now that I get as excited about a great review for a client’s book as the author. Grace Anne Schaefer just received a 5-Angel review from Fallen Angels Reviews for The New Day Dawns. Linda L writes in part: “Ms. Schaefer pens a thoroughly delightful tale that transports the reader into a time … Read more
EPIC, an organization of writers, publishers, and other professionals in the e-book industry, is sponsoring the 2007 EPIC New Voices Writing Competition for middle school and high school students. Students in public, private, or home schools may enter short story (fiction), essay (nonfiction), and poetry categories at either the middle school or high school level. … Read more