• Start a Non-fiction Blog: The First Step in My Grand Plan

    Start a Non-fiction Blog: The First Step in My Grand Plan

    My Grand Plan began three years ago when I moved back to my hometown in Michigan and was born of necessity. The job market in my little corner of Michigan is deplorable. The only full-time jobs are in fast food or at Walmart and the only work for an educated person is teaching, unless your…

  • Where do Ideas Come From?

    Where do Ideas Come From?

    Where do ideas come from? It is a question all writers are asked and very few answer. I am going to answer it, sort of. I mean, I do not want to get kicked out of the union do I? The reason most writers give a vague answer to this question is there is no…

  • In Training 2 Write: Prompt the First

    In Training 2 Write: Prompt the First

    As a runner trains for a marathon, so a writer needs to train. Last year, I created a blog on tumblr for the purpose of practicing writing and it was incredibly helpful. Crafting a 750 word story based on a Writer’s Digest Your Story prompt was a blast. The result of it had a big…

  • 50-word Story Challenge January 2015 Stories

    50-word Story Challenge January 2015 Stories

    An unexpected bonus I started the Challenge in January because I thought it would be fun. And it was. A creative exercise to get the brain going. Applying for the Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship in January, I found myself writing additional synopsis of my work at the last minute because I mis-read a section…

  • Busting the Blues: Tips for Writing Through the Bad Times

    Busting the Blues: Tips for Writing Through the Bad Times

    We all go through ups and downs in our lives that make it difficult to be creative–money, love, family, friends.  Here are some tricks that have helped me and others work through them. Finish Something Finishing something makes you feel good.  If you need a pick-me up, try a simple project that can be completed…

  • My Writing Landscape Shifted One Hundred Eighty Degrees

    My Writing Landscape Shifted One Hundred Eighty Degrees

    The crux of the matter is, is my writing as good as most and better than some of the work already published? The honest answer is, I am not sure. What do I do? My novel is busting to get out and I plan to publish through traditional channels. I created what I call My…