I’ve always been one of those people that jots down the random ideas that float in my head. The other day I was driving down McLean, on a route I’ve taken to work for the past four years. For some reason, the statue of the bull marking the Chisholm Trail caught my attention, and I […]
Business Cards for Creative Types
June 7, 2013 by 2 Comments
A writer wants their words to be memorable, but there’s another item they want everyone to notice…their business card. Your name, email address, photo and website are sufficient introductory information. Experts argue if you really need to add your writing genre. If your website has links to your Facebook fan page, Pinterest page and Twitter […]
Party On, Wayne: Gathering Research From Area Festivals and Cultural Events
May 6, 2013 by 1 Comment
Writing conferences and conventions are informative and helpful in the quest for publication. However, there are a slew of cultural and fun events in this area that can enrich your prose with flavor, color and depth. You may want to attend these festivals and research subjects of interest to your readers. Make sure to get […]
Platform Building: Identify, Engage and Commit to Your Tribe
April 2, 2013 by 6 Comments
Building a strong and successful author’s platform is every bit as vital as the construction of a dream home. It takes the raw materials of discipline and dedication to your tribe, or audience. As a writer, you are the proprietor of Company You, and must take control of your own marketing and public relations. Counting […]
Dear Diary: Journaling for Writers
March 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The Hubster and I recently spent time with our daughter in Dallas, and took the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum. There was an exhibit of Otto Frank’s family photographs, father of noted diarist Anne Frank. Diary of a Young Girl was a life-changing book for me, along with many other adolescents. Anne’s naïve, yet […]
Scene 2013 Conference Fast Approaches
February 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
If you missed the KWA meeting in February, HB Berlow–president, fills us in. Discussing the idea of Writers Conferences, HB pointed out that there are “three primary reasons to go to a writer’s conference: learning, networking, socializing.” A conference is a great opportunity to learn from other writers, to see what has worked. Their experiences […]
The Best Books on Writing
February 18, 2013 by 1 Comment
I realize that many of the writers in the KWA have found their personal strides. But I am a writer still exploring my creative voice. As both a writer of fiction and a poet, there are several books that I return to time and again to refuel and bring zest to my work. Hopefully a […]
How to Write a Killer Author Bio in Three Easy Steps
February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A clean, concise author biography is your calling card, and can mean the difference between future sales and languishing in the bookstore bargain bin. Creative writing may be your bread and butter, but tooting your own horn can be a difficult task. Here are three categories to consider: Short form: Two sentences. In third person. […]
Incorporating the Five Senses in Your Writing
January 2, 2013 by 4 Comments
I’m a foodie. The anticipation and joy in my heart that I experience while waiting for a restaurant entrée or homemade dinner is ridiculous. When the steaming plate is finally placed before me, I’m blissful. It is a feast for the senses. If you want to engage a reader into your written world, you must […]