by K. K. Allen Inspiration for me usually comes in the form of nature and art, which is probably why my favorite place to write is outside, or looking out my second story window. Up in the Treehouse, in particular, was actually inspired by a storyline in The Descendants (BookContinue Reading
This season (fall 2015 through spring 2016) is Judge Judith Scheindlin’s 20th as “Judge Judy.” She’s 72 years old and still pulling 10 million viewers every day. The Guinness Book of World Records names her the longest running TV judge. She’s handled over 10,000 cases over about 5,000 shows inContinue Reading
What’s the key to future writing success? It’s the season for planting, and if you’re thinking only about gardens and flowers, it’s time to expand your point of view. The key to writing success lies in planting seeds. It’s what we do today, tomorrow, and next week that determines whatContinue Reading
The biggest physical challenge for me is sitting for a long time in one spot! That activity—or lack of activity!—aggravates a lower back problem I have. To counteract the stiffness I develop from sitting too long, I take frequent breaks to walk around. Sometimes I just have a coffee andContinue Reading
For the past five years, I’ve had a sore back off and on, but I thought it was just a part of living and getting older. However, two years ago, while I was about four months pregnant with my first child, something in my back gave out while I wasContinue Reading
By Si Quan Ong “Ugh…” You’re frustrated. Today has been a long day for you and you’re absolutely exhausted. What you really want to do is rest… but you can’t. You’ve promised your readers you’ll deliver your book to them—the book they are now patiently waiting for. The deadline isContinue Reading
by Tracy Shawn A while back I ran into my first writing teacher and made sure to thank him for his help in sparking my career as an author. In reply, he shook his head and gave me a wry smile. “I’m so sorry,” he said. I nodded, knowing exactlyContinue Reading
When I think of physically challenging jobs, I imagine professional athletes, construction workers, or firefighters. Writers…not so much. But when back pain sidelined my writing, my gardening and even my ability to sit comfortably, I revised my thinking. So, though writing may not fit into an expected definition of physicallyContinue Reading
For me the biggest physical challenges are lack of exercise and the tension that develops in my neck and shoulders. I have definitely gained weight since I launched my writing career. Sitting at a computer is horrible for anyone’s system. We’re not meant to sit all day! And somehow exerciseContinue Reading
The sun’s rays gleam through the picturesque window as her fingers click the keys. A steaming cup of coffee sits within arm’s reach, and her calico cat sleeps on her lap. She languidly types on, the story flowing from her mind onto the screen. She smiles to herself. Her masterpieceContinue Reading
Do you have the writing blahs? You’ve probably heard of “seasonal affective disorder” or SAD, that form of depression that can take over in the winter months. Symptoms of SAD can include lack of energy, a low mood, social withdrawal, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Sometimes winter weather can be aContinue Reading
Biggest physical challenge of being a writer? Sitting for long periods of time. If I sit for too long my lower back hurts, then my legs and so on. It’s so unhealthy. I now have a stand-up desk where I spend my afternoons instead of seated all day. Afternoon walksContinue Reading