I'm sure with this title you're expecting some magic wisdom that will help you become a best seller or write a crazy amount of words on the page. I have no such magic wisdom to offer. I do have a little advice, though. Something that's been very helpful to me. Prayer. Pray for guidance - on which story to pick next, on how to market, on how to pitch, on whether or not to do a conference, on what editor, agent or publisher will be best for you to work with, etc. Will the answers be instant? Proba…

One year has ended, another started. Have you thought about what you accomplished? What you hope to accomplish next? Any regrets? Any surprising wins? What about new friendships? Or letting go of something? Until I look back, I don't always realize how much I've overcome. How much I've accomplished. I tend to get caught up in the list of "still to-does" and forget to celebrate. It's important to celebrate. Not to be prideful. But to be thankful. Thankful helps make the next mountain more of a mo…

See the tip of the pen? See the detail put into it? Someone cared about what they were doing. Do you care about what you do? The making of a meal? The sending of a text? The crafting of a story? Perhaps how you sign a book? Do you ever wonder about the impact that little extra bit of effort leaves? I recently heard from someone I'd signed a book for. She's an up-and-coming author herself. Her first book hitting print last month. She recently shared with me that the words I'd written meant a…

For some getting words on a page is easier than for others. What's really hard is taking that first draft and refining it into something readers want to read. I've met more than one writer who thinks those first words are perfect enough. They have no need for critique from fellow writers or even an editor. Often times those writers encountered poor help when they were first starting out. Help that attempted to crush their voice rather than help it shine. I have to say, I've been there - sort of.…