Waiting, again.

by | Feb 7, 2012 | Living in Place

Writers write. Then we submit and wait  – and worry. We wonder what’s wrong that editors take so long to decide our fate. This waiting reminds me of when I was single, living in New York City, wondering how I was ever going to marry if I couldn’t even get a...

Finding an Agent

by | Dec 13, 2011 | Living in Place

There are many ways to find an agent. I know, because I’ve tried most of them. In the past decade, I’ve queried over sixty agents about two different books – and had contracts offered from three. No question, the agent search has been the most frustrating part...

Solace & Hope

by | Sep 6, 2011 | Living in Place

            On Sunday, August 28, Irene cried on my village, destroying whole sections of it. Gratefully, no life has been lost, but friends’ and neighbors’ homes have been washed away – along with their land and belongings. Roads are gone, bridges broken. I suffered...

What I Learned at Publishing School

by | Jun 14, 2011 | Living in Place

Digital technology is revolutionizing how books are produced and delivered, and antiquated business models for acquiring and marketing books are leeching profits from booksellers. Together, the technological innovation and financial stagnation are changing the...

Getting Started With Groups

by | Jun 7, 2011 | Living in Place

I had three children in four years, so even though well-wishers assured me I’d be able to write while the kids slept, I confess to being a slacker: when my kids napped, so did I. But not writing made me even more desperate than not sleeping, so I signed up for a...