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It was never my dream to become a technical writer for government. However, government clients like the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Montana State University have taught me a valuable skillset and provided me with steady bread and butter for seven years, allowing time for personal writing projects. You […]

What should I know about author readings and book signings from the point of view of bookstores? Glad you asked. From my fifteen years working at Op Cit Bookstore in Taos, NM, I’ve learned quite a bit, being an author myself. Formerly called Moby Dickens, the locally-owned and independent shop has been in business almost four decades. […]

Based on a couple of inquiries, I wanted to share my response about tricks on ways to critique. Once I finished replying, I realized I’d written an editorial. Never waste words, I say, so with a few touch ups, here is my take on how to critique someone else’s work without stepping on toes. Realize […]

Like most people who listen to interviews on TV channels or read them in print, I was diffident about interviewing people. However, studying a short and helpful module in a course called, “English for Journalism,” offered online by Pennsylvania University, equipped me with the needed skill and the confidence. The course made me realize I […]

As some of you might be aware, back in June I was the writer-in-residence at a Maine writer’s retreat. I  had a ball there, no only helping others in their writing and promotion but also in having ample time to write for myself. Trust me, it’s a challenge to have all day to write. One […]

I was intrigued when I accepted a ghostwriting contract a couple of years ago, but instead of becoming Prince Harry’s secret scribe, I learned the reality is much less glamorous. Lack of variety Most clients hired a ghostwriter because they weren’t writers themselves or couldn’t devote enough time. I’ve also worked with some authors whose […]

If you told any one in my family that I was funny, they’d laugh their heads off. I’m the one who cannot tell a joke, forgets punch lines, and has a delayed reaction to everyone else’s humor. I have been known to cross the line and pull off humor in my novels, and I’ve made […]

An AI didn’t write this article, but a human did. Artificial intelligence is taking over the internet, and computers can create thousands of articles (in a single click). Let me reassure you: writers still have real jobs, and we’re all fine. Here’s why us human writers still maintain our grip on the industry. “No, Thanks.” […]

Whenever I am interviewed in a podcast, phone interview, online for an article, or in person, invariably this question is asked: What advice do you have for new writers? I have several answers, and whichever pops into my head is the one I use. I’m not beiong sarcastic. I’m just saying there are so many, […]

Whether you’re just beginning this journey toward publication or you’ve been on the road for what seems like forever, the last thing you want is yet another “don’t give up” speech. Maybe you’ve already grown weary of rejections and requests to revise, especially when those only result in yet another rejection. Only a few months […]

Oh, how often I receive this question. How is mystery normally done? How are people normally self-published? How does one normally pitch an agent? How do you normally start a freelance business? These questions fly in the face of being unique and striking out on your own to create a brand, especially in the creative […]

There’s no shortage of drama in Hollywood these days. And I don’t mean in front of the camera. I’m referring to the drama that seems to be increasing as more shows stop filming: the Writers Guild of America strike. The WGA is the labor union representing over 15,000 writers working in entertainment. When negotiations on […]