By the Moon’s Light

I am so little, I thought, as the full moon caught me off guard, reminding me of my insignificance. The fields around me had been harvested for at least a month and I could hear cattle lowing in the farmers’ fields. The quiet night filled my ears with the constant…

On Writing

I taught English for many years in what I sometimes refer to as my “old life.” I taught writing to 6th graders who were one-part children and five-parts hormonal whirlwinds. I taught writing to 11th graders who were in a lockdown facility who honestly could not care less about roads…

Five Ways to Bust Your Way Through Writer’s Block

When you know that an unknown audience will potentially read your writing, inspiration can suddenly shut down. I only have about six consistent readers and it can be hard to silence the inner critic that will sometimes take up residence in my crown chakra. Here are five things I’ve learned…

A Hiatus and a Return

A hiatus is good for a writer’s soul every now and again, even if it is not great for her SEO. I’m at peace with that because I’m a whole person and not just a Google machine, pumping out post after post. I needed a chance to breathe for a…

Five Great Tips Your Editor Wants You to Know

Like many editors – or proofreaders, graphic designers, or publicists – I’ve learned a few things along the way that would benefit their clients. And while I mostly work with new authors hoping to publish their first manuscripts, I think the following tips are helpful for anyone who’s finishing up…

This is the Reason Editing Your Work is a Bad Idea

I love having Wendy come visit my blog and share her wisdom with my readers, especially when she visits as her editor persona, The Grammar Goddess. Today she is sharing a few of her editing pet peeves, carefully curated from over 15 years of experience.   I’d like to share…