Being an author means, you constantly question yourself. "Is this the right idea? Or should I have chosen another topic?" There's no way to tell if you are working on something really cool...or if you picked a lemon. And your confidence suffers accordingly. I'd had a bad, sad couple of days where my doubts got the better of me, when the Universe decided to send me a sign. A detour on the highway took me right past Debbie Brookes' charming … [Read more...] about You're Going to Love 'Beachcomber Art'
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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 what? By considering the intent of your critic. People share … [Read more...] about How to Judge Whether Criticism Is Fair or Not
Why Writers Need to Protect Fragile Beginnings…
It happened like this... I shared three chapters of new work to someone I trust. That person finished reading my words, and said...nothing. NOTHING! Finally, I prompted my reader for a response. "I want to think about this..." was all I got. The next day the reader told me how disappointing my ideas were. The reader went on with a laundry list of "I thought you were going to...and I had envisioned." Yes, I could see a few valid criticisms, and … [Read more...] about Why Writers Need to Protect Fragile Beginnings…
And the Winner Is…
Charlotte! Please send me (Joanna) an email at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com and I'll get you in touch with Kaye. Thanks to everyone for commenting! … [Read more...] about And the Winner Is…
You Might Win a Touch of WHIMSEY!
My thanks to Joanna Campbell Slan for inviting me here to tell you about my new book. Kaye Wilkinson Barley My new book. Wow. Never in a million years did I think I would say those words. But after having gotten my toes wet writing a blog and then having two memoir pieces accepted for publication in two regional anthologies, my writing urges went crazy. The result is a book I love. It's full of things I love, … [Read more...] about You Might Win a Touch of WHIMSEY!
Online Valentine's Day Party Features These Special Author Guests
You're invited to my online Valentine's Day Party on February 14, at 7 p.m. EST. Just go to www.Lila-Dare.com and click on "Chat Room" in the lower left hand column. That'll take you into the Chat Room where you can join us for the party! Guests at this special online Valentine's Day Party will include: Shelly Arkon, author of Secondhand Shoes; Mollie Cox Bryan, author of Scrapped; Nancy J. Cohen, author of Permed to Death; Chrystle Fiedler, … [Read more...] about Online Valentine's Day Party Features These Special Author Guests
