Words are…

Dumbledore is right! Words are one of our greatest powers. It’s up to us if we chose to use them for good or evil. It is my goal to put forth my best form of magic this year! Fingers and toes crossed !! How about you all? What are your goals for 2019?

Self-Editing Tips | Story Empire

Hi, SE Readers. Joan here today. I’ve been in the editing mode of late. It never ceases to amaze me how many mistakes I find. I edit, then I send pages to my critique partners thinking I’ve got a pretty clean copy. They find other things I’ve missed. So, I edit some more. Whether you……

The Beat Up Roasting Pan

Every couple of years I like to re-post this. It was my first published essay and also my first blog. It’s special to me, and every year it’s message rings true! What are your plans this Thanksgiving? Are you planning the big feast,trying to figure out how to prep the turkey, which this holiday revolves…

Building your author platform

Originally posted on The Cat's Write:
There are some truly wonderful and very comprehensive articles out there that discuss ‘how to build a successful author platform’ and also the many reasons why you should do so ASAP. But I’m just gonna keep it simple for you (and short), because simple and short has worked…

How to Ditch Writer’s Guilt and Write Now

Feel guilty about not writing enough, or about abandoning chores to write? You’re not alone. Here’s how to beat writer’s guilt and enjoy writing again. — Read on thewritepractice.com/writers-guilt/ This is my “commitment” selfie. Getting up at the crack of dawn with my coffee and attempting to be productive in my office. OFFICE HAIR DON’T…

Nature Infuses the Writer’s Soul

I hope you all are enjoying your summers, and maybe squeezing in a mini break or two! We have been experiencing daily summer storms here in the mountains which has made for a very green summer. Have any of you got outside to feel all that nature has to offer? Nature is definitely my muse,…

The Dreaded Decade

  I remember when the first month had passed. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard your laugh or felt one of your loving hugs in thirty days. Unfathomable. Today marks ten years. The dreaded decade mark I can’t believe is here, a decade since our last mother-daughter moment. It seems impossible that I have moved…

For the love of dogs

At the advice of my bestie and writing mentor, I am posting a chapter of my memoir that recently won honorable mention in a contest. As with many things in life, we rarely take the time to pat our own back or find it in ourselves to be proud of something we’ve done. I know…

The Journal Project

This is my birthday week, and to celebrate I’m writing about one of my favorite things- journaling. “ I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart.” ~ Anne Frank Journaling has been a part of my life since I…

15 Ways to Succeed at Life- What does your “Dash” show?

I wanted to start the year on a positive note. I’ve written, what I feel, are 15 ways to succeed at life. None of these are new, just a great reminder as we all embark on 2018. I also included my all important New Year’s resolutions that include taking more bubble baths and drinking more…

Scenes of Christmas in the Mountains

Merry Christmas one and all! I hope everyone reading this had a beautiful and restful Christmas with family and friends, near and far. I wanted to share some Christmas photography that I’ve taken throughout my travels in the mountains of Western NC this holiday season. Along with the pictures, I hope you enjoy the seasoned…