Use Spam to Build Characters

Give them the problems flagged in your junk emails.

Before I clear my spam folder, I always take a quick scan to check if there’s anything legitimate.

This past week as I scanned the subject line, I thought They must think my life’s a mess. Imagine if someone had all those problems.

I began to imagine just that — and decided that novelists who … Continue reading

My Best Writing Tools

Make the most of what works for you.

You’ll never see my favorite writing tools as the topic of a writers workshop. They’re not guaranteed to help you plot your novel or craft a winning book proposal.

They’re not that specialized. But for me they’re effective, even essential. I can’t remember a project where they didn’t come into play.

They’re also inexpensive. I like … Continue reading

Seize the Season

Take advantage of today’s opportunities.

A few weeks ago I was scrambling. Multiple deadlines forced me to spend long hours at the keyboard.

Last week, the season changed. I could bask in the luxury of a more relaxed pace. I had time to plan the next issue and sketch the framework of the one after that.

I had time to catch up on my correspondence and … Continue reading