Writers' Roundup

Happy Friday! Some great links out there this week:

• Writer’s Digest offers ideas on how to start your memoir on the right foot.

• A practical Savvy Author’s Guide to Podcasting from Editor Unleashed.

• How does a writer cut text from his story and not lose his soul? Editorial Ass weighs in.

• The Creative Penn makes an excellent point on author marketing and networking and the power of social media.

• From author Mary Carroll Moore, notes on creating solid beginning and ending chapters.

• Still haven’t joined Twitter, or need a few pointers? Here’s a fabulous Writer’s Guide to Twitter, from @InkyElbows.

• Every once in a while, I like to tell you about a new blog I’ve come across, even if it has nothing to do with writing. Recently I’ve been reading Starfish Envy, about a woman who’s single, approaching the end of her child-bearing years, and has decided to have a baby on her own. For a while she was debating between adoption and invitro, but it looks like she’s going with the latter. In some ways, I’m saddened by her story; she’s taking an alternate route because she hasn’t found a partner to share her dreams. But it’s also inspiring, because this woman is taking steps to get what she wants, to make her dream happen, despite certain obstacles. Couldn’t we all learn from that?