Back in 2017, when I was frustrated that my novel, Waiting at Hayden's, had not yet been published, and I felt like I’d be an “aspiring author” forever, I went out and bought a planner for 2018. In it, instead of writing down the plans that I DID have for the year ahead, I wrote down all the plans I WANTED to have. In the summer, for instance, I wanted my novel to be published. So, I picked a day in July of 2018 and wrote down, “launch party at my parents’ house”! In September, I wanted . . .
Chase Away Your Blues: 10 Ways To Feel Good Now
As a writer of feel-good love stories, there’s a LOT I’ve learned that goes into creating a good feeling. I had to rewrite Waiting at Hayden’s ten times, not because there was a problem with the story, but because I hadn’t mastered the art of making my readers feel what I wanted them to feel when reading certain scenes. “Don’t tell me they’re happy,” an editor once told me. “Make me feel it.” How?! This can often feel like an impossible task—both on the written page, and in our . . .
The Importance of Dressing Up for Work (even if you work from home)
The other day I was working out of a coffee shop, and a sixty-something woman, dressed to the nines in a silk blouse, tailored pants, and black heels, sat at the table next to me talking to her friend. “I don’t get young people, today,” she said. “They’re always dressed for yoga, but none of them are ever at the gym.” “I know,” said her friend. “There’s this brand called Lululemon. Apparently it’s “in.”” I sunk into my chair, hoping they wouldn’t turn around and notice me dressed head . . .
