Why Having a Mentor Changes Everything

Tag: author

  • Why Having a Mentor Changes Everything

    Why Having a Mentor Changes Everything

    For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a mentor. At least one, but in some cases, more than one. In my previous life, as a career professional then business owner for sixteen years, mentoring was critical for survival and success.  But mentoring isn’t just for business. It’s a success strategy for excelling in…

  • NANOWRIMO-EDITO! It’s That Time of Year

    NANOWRIMO-EDITO! It’s That Time of Year

    Every November, I’m editing a book. I’m usually under a deadline so working on this endeavor is a priority. Ironically, it’s NANOWRIMO month and a great time to “write a book in a month” alongside a community of supportive people embarking on the same endeavor.  Truth be told, that’s how I started and finished many…

  • Carving Out Time for Writing

    Carving Out Time for Writing

    Often authors, writers, aspiring authors, journalists, and those who journal, struggle with finding time. For many it seems like a luxury to do so, or a guilty pleasure.  Many people believe the writing life is a combination of taking naps and nature walks for inspiration, then opening a laptop at a favorite café and instantly…

  • Are Three Heads Better Than One? Tripling My Literary Agent Expertise

    Are Three Heads Better Than One? Tripling My Literary Agent Expertise

    Interesting thing. One of my books was picked up by a literary agent. Then after a while, it got the attention of three. Am I published? Not yet. But here’s the twist. Three agents within the same agency have offered their support and expertise. In other words, the agency has my back.  This is incredibly…

  • Building Your Street Team

    Building Your Street Team

    The phrase street team was a new one for me when I first embarked on the publishing journey. I had to ask a couple of seasoned authors what it meant, and though I received varying definitions, I got the gist.   A “street team” is the group of people who act as ambassadors for your book and…

  • Confessions of a Serial Writer

    Confessions of a Serial Writer

    No, I don’t write comedies or soap operas. I write series. While the tag “serial” may have hooked you here, let me be frank, I loooooooooove to prolong a good storyline (and word, evidently). As a reader I enjoy a series of books whether it be three or twelve (thank you, John Jakes). Why? Well, once…

  • The Ups and Downs of Book Signings

    The Ups and Downs of Book Signings

    It’s the icing on the cake. The cherry on the sundae. The crowning glory. When you look at the long line of people snaking out the bookstore waiting to meet you and get a signed copy of your book, your heart soars. It’s the ultimate validation that you’ve made it as an author. Or is…

  • The Light and Dark of Writing (and Reading) Romantic Suspense

    The Light and Dark of Writing (and Reading) Romantic Suspense

    This isn’t a blog about the ups and downs of the romantic suspense genre. Rather, it’s about the light and dark. To clarify, I’m using those words as a “simplistic umbrella” when describing novel elements and author styles. It’s also how I categorize my works of fiction. Just because I write light, doesn’t mean I can’t…

  • Finding a Good Critique Partner

    Finding a Good Critique Partner

    Critiquing is a critical part of the author’s journey. Whatever your writing, beta readers and writing buddies are a must. If you don’t ask for feedback, you’re not going to produce your best product. So, put ego aside and get psyched to find yourself a stellar critique partner, one who is willing to be honest,…

  • Please Unsubscribe Me from This Newsletter

    Please Unsubscribe Me from This Newsletter

    How many times have you submitted such a request? Probably more often than you’d like. If you’re like me, you probably have subscribed to a few newsletters you look forward to and fully read. And the others? Sometimes you get picked up as part of a “stop by” on a website, signed up for a freebie,…