Category Archives: Writings by Wordsmiths and Others

Posts about writing, the publishing process, blogging, books, reading and potentially shared posts.

Not All Blogs Are Created Equal…


I don’t think I have posted this before but I happened on this when researching query letters… Nathan Bransford is a children’s book author and former agent. This site has great links and everything you ever wanted to know on … Continue reading

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How To Fill The Well


Ernest Hemingway said, “I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but always to stop when there was still something there in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that … Continue reading

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“Writing is Thinking…That’s Why It’s so Hard.”


David McCullough is a favorite writer/historian of mine.  I just real several articles by him so stay tuned…there are more quotes to come. But my very favorite is, “You can’t learn to play the piano without playing the piano, you … Continue reading

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A Diamond in the Rough


I remember times in my childhood when my mother would describe someone, often one of the airmen she supervised, as a “diamond in the rough.” By this she usually meant that the person she was referring to, while lacking in … Continue reading

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On Deadlines…and The Kiss of Death


In January, when I sent out review drafts to friends for comments, I had set the end of June as a deadline for myself.  I really wanted to be done by then with a final draft. My plan was to … Continue reading

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Carpe Diem Just Do it!


It is so rare, but nice, to be able to update history. I wrote this five years ago and much has happened since. I was spurred to write this and to act on it because of the death of my writing partners … Continue reading

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Ferber, Showboat, and the Great Reporting Adventure


Today my first news story is appearing in the Bertie Ledger! No, I haven’t gotten the job yet….and I wrote the story for free. The previous holder of the full time reporting job is still working in the half-time position … Continue reading

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Writing is Like That!


Thomas Edison said “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”  The same could be said for writing I think.  I am slogging through what I hope will be my last edit.  I have the wonderful editing my sister-in-law, who is … Continue reading

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The Meyers Briggs of Writing!


Have you ever wondered how your personality might impact on your writing style?  One place I think about the impact is in the use of an outline.  I have read a number of sites on writing, and many insist that … Continue reading

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All I’ll need are a cape and a phone booth


They say it is mostly who you know that helps you get a job.  That is how I got some of the best ones I have ever had. Certainly these are tough times and there actually has to be a … Continue reading

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