Author Archives: Maris

Critique Groups: Pro/Con

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Maris

Several years ago another published writer and I presented a debate at a conference we were attending. She took the positive position regarding critique groups, I took the negative. At that time I saw a lot of negatives to critique … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Writing Ideas | Tagged | 6 Comments

When the Thrill is Gone

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Maris

Today I had lunch with a writer friend. He’s written short stories, novels, a memoir, and plays, but he was feeling down today. He said for the last few months he simply hasn’t had the desire to write. There hasn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Ideas | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Why Worry

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Maris

While at the Retreat from Harsh Reality (http://www.retreatfromharshreality.com/) last weekend I had breakfast with a new author who mentioned that she is really stressed due to mishaps and delays regarding her book, which is due out this summer. I tried … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Ideas | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Finding Time to Write

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Maris

I’ve probably blogged about this before, but it’s a problem that simply doesn’t go away. I remember when I started writing. I had two preschoolers at that time and finding time to write was a real challenge. My two still … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Ideas | Tagged | 12 Comments

On The Road Again

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Maris

Two more days and we’re heading north. I’m going to miss the sunshine and constant warmth, but it will be great to be close to family and friends. And don’t feel sorry for me, I’m leaving one beautiful location to … Continue reading →

Posted in Conferences, Musings | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Waiting Game

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Maris

Being a writer is a hurry-up-and-wait business. Either you set deadlines for yourself, or, because you’re under contract, you have deadlines set for you. So you push yourself so you make those deadlines, and then you send the story off … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Writing Ideas | Tagged , | 12 Comments

The Day the Music Died

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Maris

Please welcome my guest blogger, Shelly Bell, as she talks about: The Day the Music Died Music is part of my soul. When I was younger, my head was always full of music. No matter what I was doing, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Guest Blogger | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Why Blog?

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Maris

A writer friend of mine brought up a good question. Why blog? Why do we do it? I know editors and agents are saying writers must have an Internet presence, but why do we need to have a blog to … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings | Tagged | 15 Comments

Saying Goodbye

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Maris

I have one change and then one more read through of my work in progress (wip), and if all goes well (meaning I don’t find any major problems and I do fix all minor ones I come across), my story … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Ideas | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Finding Time for those Crucial Final Edits

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Maris

I’ve had an agent request a look at my work in progress (wip), and I’m eager to send it to her, but before I do, I want to (need to) make sure it’s as good as I can possibly make it. That … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing Ideas | 6 Comments