Since launching this blog in April, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve come so far, in fact, that it’s almost embarrassing to read some of my initial posts, when I was confused about newbie details like when to query literary agents (when my memoir is done) and what’s an appropriate word count for my book (90,000 […]
Everyone’s always talking about personal branding. And a large part of creating your own brand, or self-packaging, involves the Web. I started blogging in June 2008 when I left my job at the Houston Chronicle to travel in Africa. When I returned to the States and began writing a book, and I decided having a […]
If you’re a writer who uses Twitter, you’re probably familiar with The Creative Penn. She has one of the most useful feeds out there, offering links to everything writing. I got to know Joanna Penn when she interviewed me for a podcast on her blog. That’s when I realized this tech-savvy English writer had a […]
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 […]
A big welcome if you’re here for the first time courtesy of The Creative Penn, who hosted me for a podcast this week on travel writing and writer’s residencies. You’re just in time for the weekly writers’ roundup, a collection of my favorite links, which runs each Friday. Since returning from my writer’s residency, where […]
That’s right, the Writers’ Roundup is back! She was on hiatus while I was at my artist’s residency, since I didn’t have much Internet access (and, quite frankly, I was trying to get away from blog responsibilities so I could focus on my book). Since I enjoy pulling together my favorite links from the week, […]
Literary agent Rachelle Gardner recently held a party over at her blog, encouraging readers to introduce themselves in the comments. It was a brilliant idea — A great way to connect with other writers and make a few new online friends. Such a brilliant idea, in fact, that I’m going to steal it, and throw […]
During memoirchat on Twitter last week, I told another writer of memoir how much trouble I’m having writing Chapter One. I’ve struggled with it for weeks, writing and re-writing, never feeling satisfied. Other chapters of the book have come easier than this, I explained. I’ve already written much of the middle of the story. She […]
Writers of memoir, unite! Let’s chat on Twitter about some of the specific challenges to writing memoir. When: Wednesday, July 8, an hour-long chat starting at 8 p.m. EST. If there’s enough interest, we’ll consider making this weekly or bi-weekly. UPDATE: Now every other Wednesday. Where: #memoirchat How: If you want to participate but aren’t […]
Gasp! I’ve been spelling roundup incorrectly for five weeks — with a hyphen — and none of you told me?! You know I’m finicky about grammar! (Had to dig out the trusty AP Stylebook.) I feel like I’ve had spinach stuck in my teeth for 40 days. A handful of helpful links I came across […]