Audre Lorde (February 18, 1934- November 17,1992)

Today is Audre Lorde’s birthday! Audre Lorde was an essayist, poet and activist who referred to herself as a "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,".  Audre Lorde’s work has shaped and inspired two generations of writers, scholars, and…

We all need encouragement and support for our writing lives. And, the beginning of the year invites us to try out new ideas. Here is a list of strategies that have bolstered my writing life.  May they support and inspire you.

1) Plan a Submission Party

In my first writing group, more than fifteen years ago, I learned about the power of holding at…

Dedicate v. 1. To set apart for a special use. 2. To commit (oneself) to a course of action. 3. To address or inscribe (e.g., a literary work) to someone.  (Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary, 2^nd ed)

Spring possibilities are about to cede to summer pleasures. I’ve been ruminating on the importance of spring cleaning for your writing life and have covered the first two…

A few weeks ago I began a series on spring cleaning for your writing life. There are three steps in the process:

1) You reassess your space, your schedule, and patterns of mind to see…

Is your desktop (or smartphone) awash in files and icons that you rarely use? Is your Inbox crammed to capacity? Do you break out in a cold sweat when you think about…

During the last decade fitness experts have touted the importance of developing a strong core. A well developed core (the muscles that run the length of the trunk and torso), stabilizes the spine and pelvis and contributes to balance and strength. The core helps us transfer powerful energy outward to the rest of the body. Looking back, I can see that in 2011, I metaphorically worked on my writer's core. This included paying attention to the craft of writing and strengthening a…

Do you cheat on your creative work? If not, here are two reasons why you should

I am a cheater. I don't cheat on my partner, taxes or commitment to healthy eating. I do, however, cheat on my major writing projects all the time and to great satisfaction. What do I mean by this?

Revising and completing long writing projects is daunting and requires multiple strategies for success; cheating helps: Writing has its peaks and valleys. For me, it's often demanding and…

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Women's Equality Day in the United States commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The observance of Women's Equality Day is not only about the 19^th amendment but calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality.

Today I am remembering and celebrating the legacy of U.S. women writers who worked to change our country and challenge social…

It's happened again. I was minding my own business, thinking of myself as a writer, keeping to deadlines and then a rejection letter came in an email. I keep track of where I send pieces but sometimes I forget that something of mine is out floating around in the literary universe. When a rejection email arrives out of the blue it feels like my head has been plunged in cold water. I've been writing and submitting long enough to know that rejection is part of the writing process. A…