Let me begin by saying, the ideas that follow are not wholly mine. The idea of the survival kit was given to me during the “When Words Collide” writing conference. A very nice lady came to talk to me while I was manning the publisher booth and she asked me if I had a kit put together. She then explained what it was and some of the items that should go in it. Essentially, the purpose of the Signing Survival Kit (SSK) is to give the author the best flexibility and preparedness for any possible signing opportunity. It should be constructed in such a way that it is easy to carry, and store. So, here is the SSK in its […]
Read moreCategory: Irreverent Muse
Learning as I Go
There are days when I think I know quite a lot about being published and the trials and tribulations of being a writer. That is largely because I’ve had the grand opportunity to meet and speak with many fantastic authors and edits and publishers and…well you get the idea. Then there are days when I know I’m a fledgling writer N00b who has a lot to learn. For example, I naively thought I could walk into my local public library, introduce myself to one of the librarians and offer to come in to do readings/signings/whatevers and they would fall over themselves (okay, be receptive at least) to book me in. The reality is, I am now 0/4 on my attempts. […]
Read moreStupid Horse
I know I usually try to be ridiculously upbeat but there comes a time when life beats you down, pure and simple. When that happens, your writing and everything else in your life suffer. That’s just the way it goes. I know, I’ve been struggling the past while. I’ve been questioning my own decisions to take on more and more. I’ve had trouble getting words on the page and editing done. In other words, I’ve been in a bit of a funk. This is where people will often say, when you fall, you have to get back on the horse and try again. But what if you don’t want to get back on the horse, right away? What if you […]
Read moreChange is Inevitable
We all live in change and it can be both a good and bad thing. For example, my daughter is off to University this week. Yes, I capitalized “University” on purpose to emphasize what a big change it will be both for her and for me. It wouldn’t be such a big deal if she was going to school here, but she isn’t. She is going to a school that is a few hours away (it could be worse). This will be the first time she is away from home and, while I know it will be a great experience for her, it will leave a big gap in the house for me. I know. Boo hoo, right? 😉 But […]
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