By Joanna Campbell Slan As with most crises, this one began simply enough. My AOL inbox showed 20,000+ messages. The number had built up over time. In a surge of energy, I decided to clean out the inbox. Four hours later, I’d winnowed the mess down to 3,000+ emails. Some of you might have even gotten […]
Tag Archives: writing
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
I’ve been re-reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things for the authors’ book club I belong to. The book was my choice. It’s almost guaranteed to spark a lively debate for many reasons. I find myself intrigued by the way that Alma, the main character, can find beauty and wonder in the world around her. […]
Why do YOU read?
Tuesdays with Sally Lippert, Joanna’s Ace Assistant Do you read for fun? Do you read to escape? Do you read to learn a new skill? Or is it all of the above? Currently, I am reading for all of the above. As I am trying to assist Joanna in the self-publishing world, I have developed […]
Writing a Book In A Week–Can It Be Done?
Twice a year, my friends at RWA put together an experience that they call “BIAW.” That’s short for Book In A Week. Last time I participated, I wrote more than 22,000 words that week. My friend Beverly Bateman was the word-wrangler, and bless her heart, she kept cheering me on. After the first day, she […]
How Anyone Can Improve His or Her Writing Almost Instantly
By Joanna Campbell Slan School has started, and your child may be one of many who struggles with written assignments. Or perhaps you, yourself, are going back to school. Or maybe now that your kids are off to classes, you’ve decided to get down to the business of writing that book you’ve been meaning to […]
How to Judge Whether Criticism Is Fair or Not
“Kaizen” is a wonderful Japanese word that means constant and neverending improvement. I’ve taken that idea to heart. I want every book I write to be better than the last. One way I can improve is by paying attention to criticism. But not all criticism is equally valuable. And some criticism should be promptly forgotten. How can you tell what’s […]
The Nine of Wands: Safeguarding My Energy
Every year my sister and I host a New Year’s Day party at my house. We invite Karen, a local psychic, to come and tell people’s fortunes. Karen is completing her dissertation in biology. She’s whip-smart and very, very talented. Although she has many psychic talents, Karen prefers to use Tarot cards when working with […]
It's Hump Day!
When I worked in a cubicle, this was my favorite day of the week! (Next to Friday, that is.) I also breathed a little easier knowing the majority of the week, and nasty Monday, was behind me. Back then, I worked faster than my boss did, so I often found myself with nothing to do. […]
For the Love of Rafferty
As many of you know, I “own” a three-legged rescue pup named Rafferty. You can read all about how Raffie became a member of our family, and how he inspires me daily at Coffee with a Canine.
How to Make a Contest Judge Very, Very Grumpy
The organizers of the contest I was judging sent an urgent email saying that a few of the judges had opted out at the last minute. Would I review two more entries? Of course, I said, “Yes.” One of those is still upsetting me. You see, this particular entry featured a charming and highly original […]