I've participated in NaNoWriMo seven times. I reached the 50K goal every time, but it wasn't easy. Each time was stressful and hard. But I know who I am, and I know that as soon as I sign up for this personal competition, there's no other choice for me but to succeed. I'd tear myself… Continue reading My most memorable NaNoWriMo
Tag: writing community
Where is your soul sleeping?
What's life without writing? Words create a mood, initiate feelings and sometimes lead to healing. I've been writing my entire life to feel something other than the turmoil, fear and pain that follows close to me nearly every day. Poetry, stories, novellas, articles and lately, memoir. I've always loved memoir and nonfiction, but over the… Continue reading Where is your soul sleeping?
Releasing your writing and yourself
On September 9, I wrote this tweet: So I'm getting ready to hit the publish button on my second novella. And I'm frozen. What is wrong with me? I received a lot of reaction from this simple and honest tweet. Writer friends understood and offered support and encouragement. Some told me it was a natural… Continue reading Releasing your writing and yourself
My Summer Writing Life
I've been avoiding this blank space for too long. But I haven't avoided all writing--and editing, revision, researching and reading. No, just this site. My personal site. Why? Why do writers sometimes avoid a project they usually enjoy and know they should continue? And when a lot of time passes, it becomes both easier… Continue reading My Summer Writing Life
I’m worst at what I do best
Have you ever been so overjoyed because you finally discovered who you are and why you do the things you do? Have you ever nearly cried with relief because you found other people who think like you and make decisions like you? Have you ever wanted to shout to the world that you aren't… Continue reading I’m worst at what I do best
Structured Writing Sucks (for me)
In recent months, I've been doing a lot of work on myself. I've been stuck in a terrible procrastination loop for too many months, and I've been crushed with anxiety, depression and fear. I just couldn't finish the editing of my latest novel and I hated myself. I was so close but… Continue reading Structured Writing Sucks (for me)
A short intro to something bigger
This is strange. I'm sitting here with all kinds of thoughts and feelings running through my mind and body. I'm on overload. I want to talk and write about them all. But I always get ahead of myself and then become confused and frustrated, and eventually I'll shut down and end up doing nothing.… Continue reading A short intro to something bigger
Writing plans change
I had a good plan for January--a writing plan that I was excited about. After a month of holiday fun and festivities, I was looking forward to getting back to my work as a writer and my writing world. I missed it and needed to feel that rush of productivity. So my plan was… Continue reading Writing plans change
The rush and mystery of writing
Last month, I was scraping every corner of my mind and imagination to come up with an idea for NaNoWriMo. I jotted notes, went back to old writing and asked my husband for help. But I had the hardest time, and it was nearly November first before I decided I wanted to… Continue reading The rush and mystery of writing
Choosing your beta readers
If you're a writer, and especially a published author, you've probably used beta readers. Maybe you've even been one. So how do you choose your readers? I've been a writer since childhood and used to allow only a few special people to read my poetry and short stories. I've always been extremely shy about… Continue reading Choosing your beta readers
The Second Chance Writer 