How writing helps me heal

If you ask my mom, all of her children have a purpose in the role we have in our family. My sister is “The Fighter”— ready to come down on anyone willing to hurt the people she loves. My big brother is “The Protector”—he’ll protect us from others and even ourselves at times. My littleContinue reading “How writing helps me heal”

Writing Tips: Staying focused

As an aspiring author, I sometimes need help focusing on my current work. This is because I have started and stopped so many stories. I am learning that writing is not a race but a marathon, and the marathon does not start until you finish your first manuscript. Until then, you are at the startingContinue reading “Writing Tips: Staying focused”

Inspired to Aspire

When I was younger, I dreamed about being a cook or a teacher, making dirt and uncooked beans into exquisite 3-course meals. Instead, I would play school with my little brother and fail him on every assignment I gave. I know I am the reason he holds such disdain for anything school related. I thoughtContinue reading “Inspired to Aspire”

[Blog] Overcome rejection and press forward

If you have ever made an attempt to become traditionally published, you may have experienced rejection from literary agents. If you self-published your book and received negative reviews, you may feel rejected by readers. If you’ve sought support from family and friends and only received a few smiles and a couple pats on your back,Continue reading “[Blog] Overcome rejection and press forward”

Here’s how you can stop overthinking

I recently had a huge favor to ask a dear loved one last week. I needed a short paragraph written that would verify that pieces of information about my personal life were true. This sweet family member of mine froze as if Elsa zapped her with a block of ice. “Write something? That someone elseContinue reading “Here’s how you can stop overthinking”

How to become an authority on a subject

My husband and I had a conversation about his desire to write a book. Like many of us, he has his own story that involves traumatic situations and a long healing journey. The purpose behind his book would touch on a very specific subject and the impact would be massive. I simply encouraged him toContinue reading “How to become an authority on a subject”

How to have a successful author event

Hi, Writers! I love author events. Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending an event called Teen Book Fest with two of my teen girls. I loved every moment of it. It was so great meeting new authors, taking pictures with them, and celebrating their books! Authors appreciate being noticed and having an authorContinue reading “How to have a successful author event”

Writers, take a break.

There is a time to write and there is a time to rest. Have you ever sat in front of your computer in the middle of the night to write “a little bit more” before getting in bed? Tell the truth. I most certainly have. In fact, I recall a night when I told myselfContinue reading “Writers, take a break.”

Why you should visit your local library

When I was a young girl, I absolutely loved visiting my local library. We didn’t visit very often, but whenever I went, I was smitten by the smell of books. Our city library was pretty small, but later as a new college student, I was able to use Xavier University’s library to do research becauseContinue reading “Why you should visit your local library”

How to (and should you) write a book in 30 days

Let me start today’s post with a question. How many of you have noticed how fast people want things finished? Leave a comment below if you notice the same thing. Seriously– my observation is that we are living in a very fast-paced time. Just look at shows like “Married at First Sight” which is aContinue reading “How to (and should you) write a book in 30 days”