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The Writer's Life
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business, personal finance, and joy.
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Tackle Writing Deadlines from Anywhere in the World
After two years of working together in Zoom-land, I get to work in person, in Spanish plazas, with my developer, Rafa.
Discover the game-changing tool that travels with me.
Pitch, Please!
Your writer senses tell you “Hey, this could be a story.” But wait! There are steps to getting your idea actually accepted.
What Does a Writers Trip to NYC Mean for My Wallet?
I did the math. Here’s a total breakdown of my business trip expenses.
Why I Visit New York City Once a Year (Instead of Living There)
I highly respect the hustle, but it’s not for me.
The Solution You Haven’t Tried…Yet.
What could happen if you committed yourself to asking, and asking everyone, until you found what you were looking for?
Escaping Attack of the To Do List
Overwhelmed by all your to do’s? Calm yourself! Here’s how to take a step back and figure out what’s actually important.
To Thrive as a Freelancer, Enter the Writing Matrix
When you write for the love and as a way to support yourself, the question of why you write can get murky.
Let’s distill it.
You’re (Probably) Undercharging. Now is the Time to Change That
Why should you raise your fees? Let me count the ways.
Do You Know Your Writer Stats?
The joy in record-keeping is the ability to see your life and business more clearly.
How to Find the Perfect Writing Coach for You
Shopping for a writing coach can be exhausting. Here’s how to find the perfect one for you.
What I Learned Reading The Best Women’s Travel Writing Slush Pile
Reading a slush pile can be your best education in how to write a particular genre.
The 5 Joys of Kickass Clients (Aside from the Money)
Sure, great clients pay well, but there are so many other reasons to work for getting them as well.
How to Become a Writer Even If You’re Broke
The ultimate guide on how to get an education, network, and become a successful writer on a shoestring.
A Hot Date with Some Lit Mag Submissions
Spending an evening submitting is less like a day at work and more like a hot date, minus the sex and human connection. 🤷♀️
How to Find the Right Lit Mag for You
Every writer should be reading both the best and the most accessible literary magazines. Here’s how.
Focus and Finish with the Crown of Concentration
Here’s a quick and fun way to get some more work done in close quarters with others.
Organizing Your Writing Life In a World of Chaos
If you’re able to focus on organization right now, here are some projects that could serve you for the rest of your writing life.
Everything I Know About Marketing I Definitely Did NOT Learn from AWP
“Yes!” said a young woman at the AWP conference for writers, rounding the corner to my all-the-way-in-the-back-corner booth. “This is where those stickers are coming
Writers Get Wild: Creating Your Own Self-Run Writing Retreat
My rent is $350 for the next three months, and I can’t tell whether it’s that or the physical space around me, trees instead of
Your Writing Career Will Not Survive on “Please”
We stood on a closed-off street at a music festival, near midnight, third or fourth beers in hand, when the musicians on stage stopped in
The Most Important Thing Most Writers Never Do
I’d be driving and think, “Oh damn it, I never followed up with Susan.” I’d be shopping and realize it had been six months since
Conferences are Essential (and Expensive)
In 2018, I went to six conferences, which is, according to my bank account, too many conferences. Today I have a new podcast episode out
The Luxuries of Freelance Writing Life
My favorite music genre being Sad Guy With A Guitar And a Story To Tell, my favorite band is naturally Bon Iver. They’re coming to
10 Office Supplies Every Writer Needs at Home
I don’t know why it took me so long to realize I could buy things for my home that I’d only used in offices or