Everything I’ve learned about how to find a literary agent
I’m in the midst of trying to find an agent for my first novel. This is everything I’ve learned about the query process so far, from my own experience and from other writers. This information is for fiction writers who are interested in seeking agent representation for traditional publishing.
Stephen King was right about theme in writing
I’ve had this quote from Flannery O’Connor on my desk for years. I always remind myself…
Make this your best year yet!
It’s a brand-new year! Although some people say that January 1 is an arbitrary date and…
My modified Miracle Morning routine
A couple of years ago, I read The Miracle Morning — a super motivational book about…
Thoughts on privilege
Those of us who are interested in spirituality cannot call ourselves enlightened if we turn a blind eye to injustice and inequity in the world. We cannot be agents for truth and compassion while simultaneously ignoring the ways that racism continues to have a very real influence in our society and institutions.
Why I’m rebranding (and what the heck is hygge?)
When seeking a new name for my blog, I came across the Danish concept of hygge. While the word doesn’t have an exact translation, hygge broadly means an approach to life that encourages positivity and greater well-being through enjoying the simple things in life. It’s loosely translated as “contentment of the soul.”
I want to see you be brave
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about bravery, and how it’s probably going to be my theme for 2018. Every year for the past few years, I have chosen a theme. For 2017, it’s been Faith. Mostly because I recognized my need to have more faith in my abilities as a writer and faith that if I just keep moving forward on my book, it will eventually become the story I envision it becoming.
7 life lessons from 2016
I switched planners today, because I’m a nerd like that and I didn’t want to wait until January 1st to start using my beautiful new 2017 Inkwell Press Planner. As I was flipping through my 2016 planner to make sure anything important was transferred over, I found a page in the back that I had titled “Life Lessons,” which I had completely forgotten about, but on which I had written down a few things I had learned throughout the year.
Book Review: Big Magic
This is officially one of my all-time favorite books. I should divulge that I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Gilbert. Big Magic is all about having the courage to pursue your creative dreams, and how creativity is intrinsically linked with authenticity.
Book review: Brave Enough
When I first heard that Cheryl Strayed had released a book of quotes curated from her earlier works, I was skeptical. I love Strayed’s work; Wild and Tiny Beautiful Things are both among my all-time favorite books. But despite the huge success of her books, I couldn’t help but wonder, with an online column, one novel, one memoir, and one self-help book (consisting of content pulled from said column) to her credit, did she really have enough material for what was essentially a “best of” collection?
