Back in 2003, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was more interested in rating female Harvard students online than starting a social phenomena. But it didn't take long for those funding Facebook to realize its potential. Let's be straight here, everyone knows nothing is free. Facebook provides you access to their social networking platform in exchange for … Continue reading Are You Sure You Want To Be On Facebook?

This is not tax advice and I'm not a tax or accounting professional, but I do know that there are things that writers can do to reduce their taxes. I'm only familiar with the Canadian tax system but I'm sure there are lots of analogous rules in other countries. As a writer, I'm self-employed. That … Continue reading There Are Tax Advantages To Being an Indie Writer

I doubt anything induces anxiety among writers more than querying. The continuous stream of rejections chip away at one's confidence. On the weekend, I attend an excellent presentation by the Donaghy Literary Group on the querying process. I decided to share what I heard with others. The query letter is like a resume. You may … Continue reading The Do’s and Don’ts of Querying

Every year around this time, writers ask each other what their writing goals are for the coming year. I always have the same response - I got none. Some people think I'm just being contrary. I am sometimes, but not in this instance. Planning doesn't suit my personality. I never found a plan to be … Continue reading No Writing Goals Again For 2018

I just sent out my manuscript to a number of beta readers and thought I would share some thoughts on the process. First thing, you should be sharing a fairly polished manuscript. You want them to read it as if it's a completed novel. While your beta readers may be fellow writers, they don't have … Continue reading What to Ask Your Beta Readers

Twas the nocturnal period before Christmas, when under the roof, Not a creature was stirring, not even a Poof. Hosiery was meticulously suspended by hooks on the wall, In anticipation of visitation from St Nicholas would soon befall. The offspring were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of bousou spread danced in their … Continue reading Twas The Night Before Christmas…On Mars

Let's face it, if you're a writer you are going to run into rejection. Even the very best writers have incurred some form of rejection in their career. It can happen when peers critique your work, when manuscripts rejected by agents and publisher or when readers leave a bad review or comment. Rejection hurts. It's … Continue reading Writers Need To Be Able to Deal With Rejection