Viable Paradise (VP) was affirming, life-changing, leveling up, and all sorts of good stuff. I can say that despite sleep deprivation. If you are an aspiring fantasy or sci-fi writer, apply! I made new friends, and it was fantastic. We're all on this crazy and wonderful journey together. I've always thought writers should help and … Continue reading Post Paradise (Viable, that is)
Paradise Gained
Carpe sagmarius! (Seize the summer!) That's been the motto for my writing life. A lot of editing and submitting have come out of it. And it's been worth it. Paradise has been gained! And by that, I mean Viable Paradise XX. Viable Paradise, that one week in October where two dozen hand picked hopefuls gather … Continue reading Paradise Gained
Free or Reasonable?
There has been a lot of internet chat about creatives being expected to work for free, or for exposure. I attended a writers conference this weekend, where an editor made a good point. He pointed out that the query letter is a professional letter, because you have a product which needs to be sold. You … Continue reading Free or Reasonable?
Favorite Day of the Year
I thought long and hard about this. I have several. First up, my birthday. October is a pleasant month, with changing leaves and the feeling that transformation is on the horizon. I enjoy Thanksgiving, especially now that I don't need to clean the house for it. February 15th, half-price chocolate day. Hmm.... How do you … Continue reading Favorite Day of the Year
Taos Toolbox Post-Mortem
My suitcase is unpacked, life is beginning to return to something approaching a normal rhythm, and yet things feel strange. My head is crammed full of new knowledge. If you're serious about writing, I cannot say enough good things about Toolbox. What I took away from Toolbox: 1. Writing is a job, a career, a … Continue reading Taos Toolbox Post-Mortem
Halfway There
First of all, for those of you who read my blog, let me start by saying I'm sorry for the unexpected hiatus. My WIP and real-world concerns pre-empted my blogging time. I cannot believe the year is halfway over. That Taos Toolbox is nearly here. I need get back on track for blogging! It's good … Continue reading Halfway There
Perfect Pitch?
A friend of mine wants me to pitch. I have never done this before. March brings the day of reckoning. I've been online looking around for examples. Another friend helped me out by sending me this great article by Chuck Sambuchino on Writer's Digest. I'll be honest. This is supposed to be a great opportunity, … Continue reading Perfect Pitch?
Taos Toolbox!
I was accepted to Taos Toolbox! I am so excited right now! I know my writing will benefit greatly from the experience. Two weeks with Walter Jon Williams, Nancy Kress, and guest lecturer Carrie Vaughn will definitely be a way to stretch as a writer...and I can't wait! What a way to welcome the new … Continue reading Taos Toolbox!
Lighten Up!
Lightening the load...that's gotten to be the theme of my existence these last two years. I made more inroads in that goal today. I am getting tired of dealing with stuff, honestly. Altogether, since my spouse has gone to the out of state storage unit (long story, that), we've gotten rid of 5 bins of … Continue reading Lighten Up!
Leveling Up
I'm not much of a video game player, but I love leveling up. Especially if they come up with great graphics! But sometimes it's hard to see which way you're going, whether it's in video games or in real life. I've been writing on a regular schedule with one project. When I got a … Continue reading Leveling Up
Writing Mercenary 