Book Coaching & Editing Services for Writers of Fiction & Creative Nonfiction
My first quarter in UC Riverside’s Palm Desert Low-Residency MFA program, I studied fiction with Mary Yukari Waters. Mary said something once that was mind-blowing to me, a real lightbulb moment. Mary actually said many mind-blowing things over the course of our time working together, but this one in particular has stuck with me. Mary … Read More
Something happened to me this week that drove home to me how subjective the publishing industry is. I want to share it with you, writers, because I want to remind you that, when you know your work is ready, but it is rejected, it doesn’t mean it isn’t good enough. It often means nothing more … Read More
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have more than one tune on the soundtrack to my life and probably yours, too. Their songs have motivated me to be stronger and tougher, not to take any guff, and to go after the things I want in life. Here are some of the things Tom Petty taught me … Read More
I’m celebrating a big win today. Big. Huge. I have to go shopping now. But before I do, I want to tell you about my win, not to brag, although I’m proud of the accomplishment, but because it’s a perfect example of something I want you to know and to believe with all your heart: … Read More
Like many writers, I’ve kept a diary or journal since I was a teenager. I wish I had my old journals, but after someone read my diary when I was fourteen, I burned it and vowed never to keep a diary again. I kept writing, though, and as is usually the case with young writers, … Read More
Today, I want to reach out to my fellow writers and readers to say that I am grateful for you. These dozen quotes remind me that I am not alone, that I live in community with my fellow human beings, and that living a full life begins with appreciating the life I am living. I … Read More
It’s still sunny here in California. But the weather is getting cooler—most noticeably when the temperatures drop suddenly and rapidly after the sun sets. During the summer, I get up from my desk, away from my computer, and outdoors at least once a day, sometimes more. I go for walks—I moved here to Pismo Beach … Read More
Deciding whether to write a memoir or a novel can sometimes be complicated. Some writers even try to avoid making a choice by writing what they call “autofiction,” a blend of memoir and fiction. In an article in Publisher’s Weekly, “Autofiction: What It Is and What It Isn’t,” author and fellow book coach Brooke Warner … Read More
I haven’t been to Monterey for more than three years now, but I’m dreaming of it lately, and I hope to get back to visit soon. Monterey is the place in the world that feels most like home to me. It’s the place where I feel most like myself and where I feel most inspired … Read More
Image source: Hip-Hop Wired, Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty. Sometimes I get discouraged. Sometimes I think I can’t do it. Sometimes I feel like giving up. Confession: Within the past few months, I’ve considered whether I should give up on my writing dreams and just go about living my life. Call it imposter syndrome or fatigue—whatever it is, I … Read More