Deadlines. Deadlines are good. Self-imposed if there aren't already editor's deadlines in place. That, and the fact that when I'm really deep into my writing, the work is like some kind of parasitic twin that won't disengage. Tayari, I'm so glad...

Tillie Olsen, either "I Stand Here Ironing," or "Yonondio." She was American, but her struggle as a woman, a mother, a writer, and a political voice are international in scope. Or, on the lighter side, anything by Banana Yoshimoto!

I completely agree with the "readings are more than just readings" comment, as well as appreciating your network.

I agree with all of the above, though I don't have a clear idea of my next project, so I haven't done the new writing part. I also learned you can pitch radio shows yourself and that setting up book talks isn't as hard as it sounds. I also learned...

Yay! ; ) Daphnne- more advice! I'm gearing up for the stage where I'll hopefully be able to use it so that means a lot. I just hope I remember...

Truer words were never spoken. I would add to that: don't just know your reading material, but write a chatty, thoughtful script for yourself so that your readings are more than just readings, but thoughtful entertaining -- dare I say it --...

Christina, thanks. I'm going to read your blog and find out about China!

Great advice. Thanks for the post!

Diar, it IS hard, but I'm glad you love the process. Me, too. Thx for commenting.

I totally choked on my coffee reading this. Thank you thank you thank you. May I add the following two of my own, please? And don't start me on having to correct people that my memoir is not a novel. It even says 'memoir' in the deck. I just smile...