Taking Notes
. . . on life as it really is
- "Rocking with the Rhythm of the Rails": A snowy night on Amtrak
- "Ice Skating on the Piano Keys": You never know where the fingers will fall
- "Feng Shui My Way": I have my own special style of decorating
- "Sister Sue": Wherein I decide that being a nun might be fun
- "Up a Creek WITH a Paddle": A wrongway kayaker hits Beaver Creek
- "Sand Tells Stories of Love and Life: The things people write in the sand
- "Do as I Say Not as I Do": An interview goes awry when I make a few mistakes, including going to the wrong Starbucks. Includes tips for successful interviews.
Everything But Writing
All You Have to Do is Write? Wrong
"The other day as I stood in line at the post office, carrying a heavy box which I had packed, taped and addressed myself, I thought, wow, big-time writer standing here in her old blue jeans maiing her own books . . . . "
Use That Kitchen Timer to Keep Your Writing Work on Track
"My writing students laugh when I bring out a kitchen timer shaped like a hamburger. But I have found that hamburger to be a great helper in timing our writing exercises, and I use it in my own writing. There is something about having a limited amount of time that makes a person stop procrastinating and start writing . . . "
A Real Writer Needs a Real Office
"If a writer truly wants to write, she'll do it wherever she is, at the kitchen table, in bed, at the grocery store, or while sitting on the bleachers at her son's Little League game. Ideas come at the least convenient times . . . "
Step Up to the Open Mic
"Writing is a private matter done silently with pen or computer. Reading out loud is for children's bedtime stories. If you agree with that, you'd better climb out of that garret and look around. . . . "
Is it Time for a New Computer?
"Until recently, your computer was as dependable as Old Faithful. Suddenly, the system locks up for no reason, it's so slow you have time to go for coffee while your files load, and the ominous 'fatal error' message keeps flashing cross the screen. Do you need a new computer? Probably."
Pitch Panic
Describing your book proposal in a few words to an agent or editor who could make your dreams come true can be challenging and terrifying, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how to survive pitch panic.
Don't Throw That Phone Out the Window
Although writers often want to disconnect the telephone to avoid interruptions, it is one of the most important tools they have. Here's how to make the telephone your ally in the writing business.
Hang Out Your Writing Shingle
Writing is a business in which you are trying to sell a product. In order to do so, you need to let the world know what you're up to. This column discusses business cards, newsletters, and other ways to tell the world you're a writer.
Get Online to Get ahead
The Internet is a 24-hour store with no geographic limitations. This column shows how writers can use web sites, newsletters and blogs to promote their work, sell books, get assignments and attract valuable contacts.
How Shall I Send Thee?
Is it better to send queries and manuscripts by snail mail or e-mail? What goes in the package and what format should I use? The answers are here.
Being a Writer Does Not Equal Unemployed
Although I have been working as a professional writer for more than 30 years, my father still doesn't understand that I work for a living. He's not alone. Loan companies, the government and that nosy neighbor who hollers at you across the doctor's waiting room all think you're living a life of leisure. Here's how to prove them wrong.
Don't Club Your Career to Death
Networking is a good thing for a writer, but you can easily become so busy writing press releases, organizing activities and holding meetings that you don't have any time left to write. How do you keep a balance? Read on.
Tape Recorder? That's So 1995: Technology Changes Between Drafts
These days, there's always another gadget. Blink and you're out of date. But do you really need the latest gear?
Read Any Good Books Lately?
A writer who doesn't read is like a musician who doesn't listen to music. You might be able to write something, but you will write better and have more luck selling what you write if you read as much as you can. Here's how reading can make you a better writer.
Writers Don't Get Sick Leave
Freelance writers don't enjoy the benefits of regular jobs. So what happens when you get sick or injured? Here are some tips to keep your career alive even when you just can't work.
To Every Task There is a Season
Sometimes it seems that you get so busy with research, marketing, publicity, accounting and other tasks that there's no time to write. But like crops, writing has its seasons. Each task is needed to build a successful career.
Give Your Muse Room to Dance
Is your writing space so cluttered you can't thnk for the all the distracting stuff everywhere you look? Here are 10 tips for giving your muse room to create.
Beware the Solitaire Trap
A few hands of solitaire can unwind the mind and help you figure out those gnarly spots in your writing, but watch out. It's addictive.
Get Ready to Hit the Road
Eventually every writer has to leave the office and go out into the world to gather ideas, stories and information. This is the first of a series of articles to help the writer get the most out of his writing journeys.
Plan Now to Prevent Travel Headaches Later
For an effective writing trip, don't just throw a few clothes into the backpack and go. Schedule interviews and research outings and make travel reservations in advance so you come home with a story instead of an empty notebook.
Pack for Success on Your Writing Trip
The biggest thing to decide about packing might not fit in your suitcase. Should you bring a spouse or friend? This column answers that question and more mundane ones about things like computers, food and shoes.
Surviving on the Road
The scene: early morning. You're roaring up the highway, dressed for success, all your gear packed, tickets, reservations, coffee and a snack handy. A rush of freedom hits you. You're a writer on the road. The world awaits. But the world is complicated .
Back It Up!
You're writing along and your screen suddenly goes blank, taking with it everything you've been working on. When was the last time you backed up your work? This column looks at the ways you can make sure you don't lose a word.
Want to Make More Money This Year?
Did you spend more than you made last year? This column looks at ways you can spend less and make more.
Writing in the Nooks and Crannies
The idea of a writer spending unlimited undisturbed hours creating great works of art is a fairy tale. Most of us have to deal with jobs, children and other distractions. Here's how to take care of real life and get some writing done, too.
People, People Who Need People
Writers need people to give them something to write about besides themselves. You never know when you'll run across the perfect person to interview.
Keep 'Em Circulating
Your writing won't do you much good sitting in a drawer. Here's help getting them out into the world without using up all of your writing time.
Set the Scene for Writing
Whether you thrive on clutter or need an empty desk to write, here's some advice on how to make your work space more writer-friendly.
Can You Answer These Questions?
What do you write? Where have you been published? What are you working on? These are the questions you will face at conferences, workshops and anywhere people discover you're a writer. Having answers ready will not only save embarrassment but may advance your career. (published in July 2008 Willamette Writers newsletter)
You Mother was Right: Sit Up Straight
The first of two columns on office ergonomics. In other words, how do you work at a computer all day without causing harm to your body? Desk exercises included.
It Shouldn't Hurt to Write
The right gear can keep you from hurting yourself with all those hours at the computer. Advice on chairs, computers and other gear.
Attend a Conference in Your PJs
Online conferences offer the opportunity to learn and interact with other writers without having to leave home.
As in any business some folks offer to help you make your fortune as a writer with books, classes and programs that are a waste of your money. Writers, beware.
Other columns:
Los Gatos Weekly Times:
Saratoga News:
Willow Glen Resident:
Skirt! magazine
"The Truth About Double Beds"
OJornal
"Walking in Grandfather's Footsteps"
My columns have also appeared in:
The Oregonian
Portuguese Heritage Journal
Byline Magazine
Newport News-Times
South Valley Times
Exhalezine.com
