Kennedy Ryan I have always considered myself a pretty confident person. My parents instilled several things in me early on: And this next one was bedrock. Don’t allow other people’s opinions to change the way you feel about yourself. That lesson especially served me well growing up. Peer pressure for me – almost non-existent. I […]

Heather Webb The most detested word in the publishing industry, perhaps even in the English language (we writers might argue) is rejection. Even saying it aloud gives you a nasty swirling in your stomach. Whether it be from agents and editors, or readers and reviewers, the word itself embodies our deepest darkest fear—we aren’t good […]

Natalia Sylvester You know how some authors will tell you that their characters just speak to them, taking on a life of their own? I cringe when I hear this. I twitch a little. I kinda, sorta want to call B.S. (but that’s probably because I’m jealous). I have a hard time believing characters speak […]

I've just returned from the magical Galapagos Islands, where animals and birds like no others on Earth have no fear of humans. I had trained for the experience by walking fifteen miles every week, working out with my trainer for balance, and some swimming. Still, it was the most physically taxing trip I've ever taken. Something […]

Over the last couple of months I’ve noticed something disturbing on Facebook—lots of my writer friends have been attending writing retreats. Why disturbing? Because I haven’t been able to go to any (cue violins). I read once that a writing retreat is to creativity, what a good nights sleep is to physical well-being. With the […]