I’ve been reading a book on how fear affects writing (and art-making of all kinds). Fear is what holds many (even most) of us back from being the writers we dream of being–and probably could be. Art & Fear suggests that these fears fall into two main categories: (1) fears about yourself, and (2) fears […]
Kristi Holl
Ask About the Numbers
While discussing goals with several writer friends, I found myself becoming depressed. We were analyzing how 2012 had gone. Each person shared their goals for the past year and how they had succeeded or failed. Until I heard the other reports, I had been happy with most of my year. While I hadn’t yet completed […]
Organizing: Targets vs. Goals
[This article is reprinted by permission. See credits at the end.] ******************* It’s traditional at the beginning of the year to define what you’d like to achieve in the coming twelve months. That’s a good thing and I highly recommend it. This week I’ll be writing my own annual plan for the coming year. However, I’d […]
Simplified Writing Goals for 2013
With only a month before the new year, writing goals are on my mind. Yesterday I reviewed my 2012 list of goals to see if I’d accomplished what I set out to do last year. I’d finished a few projects on my list–like revisions of books sold the year before and some marketing things. […]
Writing Irresistible Kidlit Goes on Your Christmas List!
I didn’t think the world needed one more writing book—but I was wrong. The book that changed my mind is Writing Irresistible Kidlit by Mary Kole. This book answers so many of our questions about: the current writing market (and all the changes) what sells best and why how to target today’s major […]
We All Need Encouragement
Fellow writers, we’re all in this together. And we all need encouragement from time to time. Even if you’re not participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), I thought you might enjoy snippets of the pep talks that are emailed to writers to help them keep going. Be Encouraged! A Pep Talk from Kate DiCamillo […]
Set Goals NOW for 2013
In less than two months, it will be 2013. Now is the time to set some goals for the new year. First, take an honest look at what you’ve accomplished in 2012, both in your writing skills and your writing business (marketing). With that answer in front of you (in writing), answer this: how will […]
Believing in Yourself
Writers all need encouragement sometimes. These articles should give your weekend a boost. I know you’ve heard it before, but it’s probably time to be reminded: “3 P’s for Writers: Perseverance, Persistence, and Patience.” You’re not alone with things going wrong, enduring delays that aren’t your fault, and other discouraging circumstances. But the writing prize ONLY […]
Getting Through Publishing Grief & Writing Again
How does a writer cope with the often inevitable, painful jagged edges of her broken dreams and failed hopes? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, take heart. I found one answer this week in a long (and particularly good) article. The Seven Stages of Publishing Grief (or Hello Darkness, My Old Friend) by Robin LaFevers […]
Are You a Marathon Writer?
Writing students, those I critique, and people in my writing workshops will sometimes question whether it is ethical to encourage fledgling writers. Why? Because the path to publication isn’t easy, and they will experience a lot of rejection along the way, and the “odds” are stacked against them. That’s all true. So why encourage new […]