I love to encourage others. To motivate them and help point them to success. At the end of the day, if I’ve added value to someone, I feel fulfilled. For me to see a writer who is discouraged, afraid or lacking self confidence is like saying “sick-umm” to a bull dog. I’m all over it. You might say I jump on the opportunity because God gave me the gift of encouragement. While that is true, it wouldn’t work if I didn’t believe it. But, fortunately, I do believe in the human spirit and how much it can achieve. And I truly want to see everyone live up to their potential. To live their dream. Think of children. When they are faced with an unfamiliar task, they may be timid. They […]
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Seven Things Every Writer Must Do, Part Five: Enjoy the Trip!
I once rode in a bicycle event that took us past some pretty incredible sights. The space shuttle was clearly visible from launch pad 39A. Alligators lined the trenches on the side of the highway and we pedaled within a few feet of the largest known eagle’s nest. When the ride ended and we were packing up our gear, one rider exclaimed, “Wasn’t the space shuttle awesome?” One of the faster, more competitive rider responded, “what space shuttle?” He went on to explain he was so concentrated on finishing the “race”, he saw absolutely nothing except the backside of the rider in front of him. How sad! He missed out on some of the greatest natural and manmade wonders in Florida. I couldn’t help but ask whether he enjoyed himself. […]
Read the RestSelf Intimidation: Enemy of the Writer
I’m writing my sixteenth novel. During National November Writers Month – NaNoWriMo – I’ve been fast drafting this next work of literary wonder. It’s a story I love. A story I believe in. A story I want to capture the hearts and imagination of readers. But will it? No author starts out to write one book better than another. We give a hundred percent to each book. Even if we’re on a tight or short deadline, we give the story all we have for the time allotted. My goal is to write a better book each time. I study the craft. I work on deepening my characters and adding story layers. I take to heart the advice and input of my editor and agent, and readers. I strive so hard […]
Read the RestSeven Things Every Writer Must Do, Part Four: Learn to Dance in The Rain
In my office, I have a framed quote that constantly reminds me life is not the absence of challenges, disappointments and unexpected twists. Those who succeed don’t avoid those storms, but rather learn to find the good in them. They learn to dance in the rain. As a writer, you’ll be faced with all sorts of storms. What you do with those storms will determine your future more than the storms themselves. So how do you learn to dance? Let’s take a look. Dancing in the Rain in a choice. You have little or no control over most of the storms in life. But you do have complete control over how you react to them. It’s true. I’m writing this on the airplane while traveling to the […]
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