This is why we’re all here.
I’ve been corresponding with Lela Gwenn, an event organizer for a writer’s retreat that allows a writer to experience encounters with fist, blade, or gun, in a controlled and safe environment under the experienced supervision of self-defense and weapons instruction professionals. I’ve long been a big believer in writers getting our hands dirty, if we’re going … Read more
By Phyllis Hanlon Your phone has been ringing regularly; your mailbox is stuffed with assignments for magazine and newsletter articles; every time you sign onto the Internet, the familiar “You’ve got mail!” announcement greets your ears along with several positive responses to your e-queries. The freelance life is looking good. The paychecks have started to … Read more
By Tina St. John In late 1994, I quit my full-time job to try my hand at writing a novel. Yes, it was an enormous risk, and yes, I have a very understanding and supportive husband. Naively, I expected to complete my book by year’s end — never mind that said book consisted of less … Read more
By Michael Allen There are countless books, seminars and classes out there on “How to Break into Show Biz.” Indeed, breaking into show biz has literally become a business unto itself with people shelling out hundreds and thousands of dollars for the “inside secrets.” What amazes me is how many of these books and seminars … Read more
Interview by Alyice Edrich When did you begin your writing career and what inspires you to write? Writing runs in my family. My mother writes college textbooks and I began working for her when I was in high school. I also was the editor of my high school paper and co-editor of the school literary … Read more
By Laura Shumaker I met Tracy when I moved to the neighborhood five years ago. At the time, I had a lot going on. I was raising three boys, the oldest autistic, and was balancing their care with that of my mother, who was very ill. I was tired and emotionally drained. After Tracy and … Read more
By Anika Logan I have a very odd schedule; I admit it. In fact, my schedule is practically the opposite from most of the people I know. The majority of people I know work regular daytime hours (nine to five, eight to four—you get the general idea). I, on the other hand, do not. My … Read more
Guest post by A.L. Berridge I lost my political virginity in Ireland, when I heard for the first time the reality behind the Troubles. English schools hadn’t been too hot on explaining why these nasty IRA terrorists wanted to blow us up, and I’d been content to accept a simple world of good guys and … Read more
By Bex Hall I’m not really certain why it took me so long to realize this, but I admit, somewhat ashamedly, that I have literally been sitting on a gold mine and didn’t have a clue. For about eight months now I’ve been reaching out and networking with writers from afar. Participating in discussion lists … Read more
By Alaina Alexander I remember reciting stories into a tape recorder and playing them back for the neighborhood kids. Sometimes my stories wouldn’t go over well or the tape would run out, and in either case, I found myself high-tailing it home with a gang of kids close on my tail. They debated whether or … Read more
