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Business
The Writer's Life
Blog
business, personal finance, and joy.
LEARN ABOUT
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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.
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Pitch, Please!
Your writer senses tell you “Hey, this could be a story.” But wait! There are steps to getting your idea actually accepted.
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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.
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Why I Visit New York City Once a Year (Instead of Living There)
I highly respect the hustle, but it’s not for me.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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You’re (Probably) Undercharging. Now is the Time to Change That
Why should you raise your fees? Let me count the ways.
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Do You Know Your Writer Stats?
The joy in record-keeping is the ability to see your life and business more clearly.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 🤷♀️
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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