The Power of Writing Prompts
You’ve been sitting at your desk all day and now you’re feeling a little stiff. You might be tempted to pour yourself a beverage and hit the couch, but a better strategy? A quick walk [...]
Self-publishing questions? We’ve got answers
It’s March! Spring is in the air—sometimes. After the warmest February on record here in Chicago, we had wild temperature swings. We went from 70 degrees to windchills in the teens in a single day. [...]
Gift Guide for Writers (and Readers)
Last minute gift guide for readers! If you’re wondering what to get friends and family for Christmas—the answer is always books! Everyone needs more books in their life! As writers, we should read great books [...]
The wonder of a few moments of quiet
This is a loud season, full of good busy and hectic hustle, both joy and stress. We long for a simple and meaningful Christmas, we want to be present during this Advent season. But when [...]
Feeling like a hot mess? Help is on the way!
Ever feel like your life is busy, hurried, stressed? Like you're a bit of a hot mess? Good news: you're not alone, and there's real help available right now. I'm honored to be one of [...]
Want to slow down and savor the season?
The holiday season is here--I'm bombarded by Black Friday ads on TV and my phone. I'm hosting for Thanksgiving, and realizing December is next week, and also suddenly aware of the fact that I have [...]
Self-publishing essentials: Do I need an ISBN?
This is one in an occasional series on the details of self-publishing. Writers considering self-publishing often ask if they need to purchase their own ISBN, especially because you can get one for “free” on amazon's [...]
Don’t fear the “H-word”
When you hear the word “hospitality” what comes to mind? How do you feel about it? A. Entertaining in my perfectly clean and tastefully decorated home (which feels pressured) B. A gift or skill that [...]
Make 2024 the year you finally write your book
You’ve always wanted to write a book. What if 2024 is the year you make that happen? Registration opens today for the 2024 Powerful Story Writers' Group. Read on or jump to the application here. [...]
Transformational travel: Why I traveled solo to France
To some of my friends, it made no sense at all. To others, it made perfect sense. Why would a happily (well, mostly happily) married 60-year-old decide to travel solo to Chamonix, France, to hike [...]