What I’m reading: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri What’s on the iPod: Right in Time by Lucinda Williams What a couple of days. That cushion of time I had last week to finish two articles vanished thanks to whatever this latest winter storm was called — Nika maybe? I’m sorry the term “Snow-mageddon” was ever…
Lessons from a Powerless Writing Life
What’s on the iPod: Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers Valley Forge Mountain damage: photos by my husband Well, that was interesting. Four days — 101 hours almost to the minute. That was the longest I’ve ever lived without power. I suspect the news got national coverage, but just in case you’re hearing…
Monthly Assessment: January 2014
What’s on the iPod: Jumper by Third Eye Blind You’re getting a lot of posts out of me this week. That’s because there seems to be a lot to talk about. Snow, more snow, and work are piling up. I got a last-minute article request on Tuesday for a short sidebar piece and right now…
Your Writing Revenue Sweet Spot
What’s on the iPod: This is London by The Airborne Toxic Event The view from the kitchen door It’s been a week of wheel-spinning. I spent Monday thinking I’d get so much done, but spending the majority of the day shoveling (and re-shoveling) the driveway. Ten inches later, I cried uncle and went inside. By…
Snow Days and the Writer
What’s on the iPod: Invisible by U2 (free until midnight on iTunes) View from my front walk Congratulations to Seattle Seahawks fans! Your team shone like diamonds yesterday, much to the dismay of the Denver Broncos. To Broncos fans, my condolences. Your team is better than one performance, so congratulations to them for making it to…
Free Advice Friday: Writing a Terrific Query
What’s on the iPod: Katharine Song by Runaway Dorothy (link below) It feels like the world is starting to return to its normal orbit. Not that things were completely a-kilter, but I did get the sense that my work life (and home life, for that matter) were a bit on the random side. Given the…
This Writing Job, Not That Writing Job
What’s on the iPod: It Doesn’t Matter Anymore by Linda Ronstadt Yesterday was a bit fuzzy for me. I woke up after my first good night’s sleep in over a year, but I couldn’t quite get going. I had taken a “PM” version of acetaminophen for a sinus headache and it left me groggier than…
Free Advice Friday: Getting in Touch With Writing Clients
What’s on the iPod: Blunderbuss by Jack White It’s been a good week. It started with disappointment — losing a client because of communication problems — but quickly turned around as new clients came into the picture. I’m on track to meet my monthly goals, so that’s a good thing. Today’s topic: how to contact writing…
7 Ways to Resolve Writing Client Problems
What’s on the iPod: Baltimore Blues No. 1 by Deer Tick It’s turning into a busier week than I first expected. While I did lose one project, I picked up a few more. It’s clearly January, for the clients are coming out of the walls again. Sadly, one project ended because the client felt he…
Free Advice Friday: Writing Contract Language
What’s on the iPod: No Line on the Horizon by U2 I get by with a little help from my friends — The Beatles said it, and it’s true. This week’s Free Advice Friday is brought to you by one of my closest friends. Cathy Miller was part of the original conversation that became this…