Authors, For Writers, Inspiration, Writing

Not This, But That…

It ain't easy being a writer... ...And if you don't believe me, George Orwell said it best: "Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor… Continue reading Not This, But That…

Getting Started, Writing

Show and Tell Friday: Show V. Tell

"Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window." — William Faulkner Show and… Continue reading Show and Tell Friday: Show V. Tell

Authors, Guest Bloggers, Twitter, Writing, Writing Life

Blog that sparks MY soul!

Holy Helvetica, I’m so darn honored you guys! The wonderful (and super talented author pal of mine) Anita Grace Howard, has bestowed my humble site with the ‘Blog That Sparks the Soul Award.’ Here’s what she said on her blog last week that warmed my heart: “Also, I'd like to thank Kerri Maniscalco for her… Continue reading Blog that sparks MY soul!

Authors, For Writers, Happy Things, Hearts and Hearts, Quotes, Writing, Writing Life

Top Ten: Quotes for Writers and Word Nerds

Unfortunately, I don't have time for a super long post today because I'm spending the weekend putting the final (okay the sixth, or seventh FINAL) touches on my latest project. I started it at the end of December, shelved it in early January - wrote another book in between - and brought it back out… Continue reading Top Ten: Quotes for Writers and Word Nerds

Literary Agents, Query Letter, Writing, Writing Life

Query Letters Dissected By Those Who Know

Last week I posted some query letter tricks that I've learned over the last year or so, HOWEVER there's a weekly post you should check out on your own, by people in the biz. BookEnds (a fantastic literary agency) posts a query letter each Wednesday, then gives feedback on what works, and what doesn't. Be… Continue reading Query Letters Dissected By Those Who Know

Getting Started, Inspiration, Pictures worth a thousand words, Quotes, Writing

The down and out? Never!

(Repost) "My task, which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel--it is, before all, to make you see." -Joseph Conrad And in case that failed, I included a picture for all you 'visual' learners. You're welcome.

Twitter, Writing

Please stand clear of the turkey, thank you.

It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a... wait a minute. That’s complete bull! I’m stirring - and I’m not talking about the holiday gravy yet. Even with all the early holiday warnings broadcast over radio and television waves, I’ve managed to avoid grabbing the… Continue reading Please stand clear of the turkey, thank you.

Inspiration, Music, Writing

You’re right, it’s only fair… but this post comes with a warning

Yesterday's post on what's playing on YOUR iPod got some great feedback on the blog and Twitter. A lot of you suggested some great bands I've never heard of and I must say, I'm impressed! There were quite a few of your favorites that have now been added to my playlist. If you've got music… Continue reading You’re right, it’s only fair… but this post comes with a warning

Inspiration, Pictures worth a thousand words, Writing

iPod time: It’s all over now, baby blue

Today I'll be locked inside a room writing until my eyes cross/bleed/fall-out. Hey, it could happen. Maybe. Anyway, this can only mean one thing... it's iPod time! Music and writing go hand in hand, and this is the first song that popped up on my shuffle, so I thought I'd share. It's just a segment… Continue reading iPod time: It’s all over now, baby blue

Music, Writing

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart Christine Hoberg to play CMJ Music Marathon

This is only the second time I've done this, so it's pretty cool. I typically keep my column separate from my blog, but this article is about one of my friends, so I had to share. Plus it's #Writer Wednesday on Twitter and she's a pretty darn good songwriter. So if you could click on… Continue reading Brooklyn’s Sweetheart Christine Hoberg to play CMJ Music Marathon