There’s nothing that gives me more writing inspiration than reading. It could be the perfect word choice, a turn of phrase, or a story that unfolds at just the right rhythm. I read for pleasure but I also read to learn. Each story is a lesson in writing. Workshops and classes are great, don’t get…

There is no one best way to write. Each writer has a different process. Stephen King, in his memoir On Writing, shared that his day is divided into three parts: mornings for writing, afternoons for correspondence (and naps!), and evenings for reading. Since I’m kind of useless in the evenings (and enjoy television, something King…

I sometimes wonder if entering a writing contest is worth the money. The entry fees can add up quickly and often I have nothing to show for it at the end. Over the years, I’ve learned to be more selective about the ones I enter because, at the end of the day, I like contests.…

Many aspiring writers wonder if they should get an undergraduate degree or MFA in creative writing. I might not be the best person to answer this question because I don’t exactly have the benefit of both perspectives. If I could go back to university now, today at this age, I would study creative writing, but…