My wish list

January 13, 2011

Book update: My agent has asked me to come up with my “wish list” of publishers. We’re making progress…

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9 Tips for Women Traveling Alone

January 11, 2011

Itching to travel? Check out my eguide, How to Take a Career Break to Travel. Like it or not, women have to take special precautions while traveling alone. After six months of backpacking solo in Africa, I’ve got a few ideas about how we can make the most of solo exploration — and stay safe […]

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Writers’ Roundup: January 7

January 7, 2011

Thanks, all, for the birthday wishes on my last post! Other than slipping in the shower first thing in the morning and nearly breaking my hip (thank you, universe, for rubbing it in… and yes, I turned 30, not 70), the day was fabulous. I’m lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. […]

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In which yours truly turns — gulp — 30

January 5, 2011

I never thought I’d be the type to freak out over turning 30, but apparently I am. Which is why I’m making goals for this coming year. Because it helps me focus my energy on something productive. I wish I had two decades of my 20s. Because right now, at this very moment, I’m right […]

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Every cut makes your manuscript stronger

January 3, 2011

Did I say I’ve been going through revisions for the last year? Because I’ve actually been going through additions. While incorporating feedback to add “more of this” or “more of that,” I’ve fleshed out so many scenes, characters and feelings that my manuscript has ballooned to 98,000 words. That’s about 15K more than it was […]

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Why you should be psyched about 2011

January 1, 2011

When I tell people I used to go to a mega-church in Houston, they usually look shocked. And slightly horrified. (Admittedly, that’s why I don’t usually mention it.) I know what they’re thinking: I don’t seem like the type to belong to a mega-church. Am I one of those religious nuts? Not so much. Reciting […]

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Writer’s Roundup: December 31

December 31, 2010

It’s the last day of 2010! If you’re like me, you have today off from work, so you might be looking for a few good links… GalleyCat tells it like it is: The best way to get published is to know people. I’m always a fan of Peter Gostelow’s blog about cycling across Africa, but […]

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A writerly New Year’s weekend

December 29, 2010

I’m planning something different this New Year’s Eve. Rather than partying late on December 31st and recovering on the first day of 2011, I’m doing something special for myself: spending the three-day weekend writing. I’m creating my own retreat of sorts in part because the deadline for my next revision is approaching (end of January!), […]

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Finally, a use for rambling: memoir

December 27, 2010

I’ve been writing my first book for nearly two years. It has taken me this long to realize something that’s crucial to the success of my memoir: It’s okay to let myself ramble. More than okay. To write a good memoir, I have to force myself to ramble. I’m best at writing in a newsy […]

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Writers’ Roundup: December 24

December 24, 2010

My favorite links from this week: Excellent tips on blogging for writers, from C. Hope Clark. Tripbase offers an insightful guide for travel writers. A good reminder, especially during the holiday season: When in doubt, simplify. From zenhabits. Writer’s Digest’s Jane Friedman brings us the 10 Best Tweets of 2010. What authors need to know […]

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