Americans, more than any other nationality on earth, are obsessed with efficiency. In fact, it was America that gave birth to the Efficiency Movement, spearheaded by Frederick Taylor in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Taylor would come into factory and construction settings and study them until he came up with the most efficient method […]
October “What I’m Into:” Podcasts and Leaves
This month, I’m into… Finding (and loving) new podcasts. Now that I have a bluetooth-enabled car, I’m obsessed with listening to podcasts. My new favorite is The Writing Life by Ann Kroeker. The episodes are short, but full of encouraging advice on living and growing as a writer. I really enjoy her speaking voice too; […]
How’s Your Writing Life?
Writers and non-writers alike seem to struggle when inquiring about my writing. They want to ask about my book without hearing me drone endlessly on my characters and how the Triangle Fire was a vital, pivotal moment in American history. They want to ask after agents I’ve queried without touching a nerve if I haven’t heard […]
How Journaling Has Changed Me
In 2009, I experienced what novelists call a “dark night of the soul.” I had just gotten married, and struggled with my new adult identity and the loss of my maiden name. In the space of six months, three loved ones passed away, including my beloved grandmother. I was frustrated at work and knew I […]
The Next Step In My Publishing Journey: Twitter Pitching
Back on September 10th, I had an awesome experience pitching my book on Twitter via #PitMad, which happens four times a year. I had never heard of it until two days before, when I read an article by my fellow DIY MFA blogger Sarah Lovett, giving tips and tricks for Twitter pitching. At the time, […]
Library Book Haul
As part of my “Fill it Up” mini-happiness project this past weekend, I spent a wonderful hour in the library. Spending time with books and quiet left me refreshed and creatively replenished, but there was one downside: I ended up with far too many books to add to my already toppling tower. Here was Saturday’s […]