Attending writers conferences over the past couple of years has had a huge impact on my writing journey and helped me in multiple ways. I'm providing three of the most important benefits to me that helped not only with my writing, but also my understanding of myself and my past life choices. Affirmation Let's face … Continue reading 3 Big Benefits of Writers Conferences
Book Signing Event – Railroad Book Depot
I'm so grateful for the independent bookstores, and all bookstores, since so many of them have been disappearing over recent years. I love the way walking into a bookstore is a feast for my senses. My eyes widen at the kaleidoscope of colors on the covers and spines of the books stacked on tables and … Continue reading Book Signing Event – Railroad Book Depot
Escaping the Hamster Wheel
Have you ever felt fed up with running the hamster wheel and just wanted to escape, maybe hit the road for a while? I did. At the age of 45 I wasn't ready for retirement, but I was tired of commuting to my dead-end job in the expensive and crowded San Francisco Bay Area. I … Continue reading Escaping the Hamster Wheel
Is This What Writer’s Block Looks Like?
Let's see, sit down at my laptop and work on my book/marketing/website/other writing task, or play with Bodie? I think I have a new definition for writer's block, and his name is Bodie. Sometimes I would much rather toss a ball or go for a walk with Bodie than put my butt in the chair … Continue reading Is This What Writer’s Block Looks Like?
My 10 Favorite Writing Resources
I’m getting close to getting my book out into the world! It has been edited and formatted, the cover design is complete, and I’m working on my book launch and marketing plan. It has been a ton of work, but it’s labor that feeds me and keeps me focused while I deal with the chaos … Continue reading My 10 Favorite Writing Resources
My Mistakes – So Far
Writing and publishing a book is an incredible learning experience. It’s exciting, confounding, and sometimes downright scary—especially if you’re putting your life on display in a memoir. In other words, there are plenty of mistakes to be made. I thought it might be helpful to those coming down the same path to share mine—so far. … Continue reading My Mistakes – So Far
Back Cover Blurb
When publishing a book, careful thought must be put into the back cover blurb. That's the marketing copy that will make people want to read your book. For eBooks there is no back cover so the blurb will be the description that is posted online to entice readers, but for printed paperback books, the … Continue reading Back Cover Blurb
A Not-So-Sneaky Peek at My Cover
I have a book cover! Thanks to the talented folks at ebooklaunch.com, I have beautifully illustrated cover art. I was really impressed with how fast my designer worked and what a great job he did. I have read many times the importance of the cover and wanted to make sure I had a good one. … Continue reading A Not-So-Sneaky Peek at My Cover
Survived the Red Pen!
I'm still standing! As I wrote in my last blog post, I sent my manuscript off to an editor for a modified copyedit, which included feedback on the pacing of the book, whether any sections should be cut, or if there were any obvious aspects of the story that just didn’t work. I’m happy to … Continue reading Survived the Red Pen!
Decisions, Decisions
One of the toughest decisions a writer has to make is whether to try to get a traditional publisher, or go the self-publishing route. Both have their drawbacks. Getting a traditional publisher almost always requires getting an agent, first. Then the agent tries to find a publisher. It also usually means the author gives up … Continue reading Decisions, Decisions
Heidi Eliason 