You can hold both identities close — Maybe you decided to be a writer before or after becoming a mother. Either way, you learned that neither identity can be left at the door. In many ways, these two identities feed each other and coalesce. Both take a huge amount of time and energy. You cannot not be…

Can the weather change how and what we write? — Today was the first real rain in Northern California. The sky was dark, and the rain drenching. After dropping my daughter off at school, I scurried around my yard bringing in outdoor furniture cushions, bikes, wine glasses. It was a long summer. Opening a window, the rain making its way through the leaves and branches of my tulip tree was calming. I lite candles and made tea.

And the tools to get out. — I planned to finish my memoir in one year. I’d use all my free time to write, waking early, staying up late, missing parties and forgoing exercising. I have been writing my memoir for over ten years. What happened? I am not unusual in the length of time it is…

What I learned from my daughter about my fears. — My Nine-Year-Old Daughter, Anika Was Assigned to Write an Essay on Fear “What is your greatest fear?” her teacher asked. Sitting at the kitchen table, I helped her brainstorm ideas. I said, “What about sharks, or snakes?” We visit Kona in the summers, and she is often the farthest child out, sitting on her boogie board waiting for a perfect wave. …

And 3 other awesome uses. — Colons are the punctuation mark that informs readers “a list” is to follow. I can still remember the lesson while in grade school. My teacher read, “Mrs. James had to go to the store to purchase food for dinner. …

Writers need tough skin and a sensitive heart. — I have been writing and sending out stories and queries for 25 years. I am no newbie to the rejection letter, to the silence that comes when an agent or publisher doesn’t wish to publish my work. I have set writing goals that I have not met. …

In a society where more is always better. — Whether you have dreamed of being a writer since childhood or this passion for being a wordsmith recently came to you, I assume you have an idea of what success looks like. As a contemporary novelist, people may ask what publishing company published your book. Or was your book on…

Lady Luck plays her part as well as consistent work. — “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create,” Budda. Do you dream your articles and books were read by thousands, even millions? Do you wish you felt secure enough to lose your “day job” and write full-time? …

These simple disciplines will help you get your words down on paper. — Writing is an act of habit. Many times it takes discipline to create a habit, like exercise, half of the battle is placing your tennis shoes on, rolling up your yoga mat, and sliding it into your car. …