For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been reading some version of this advice over and over: Don’t burn bridges. Be nice to everyone. You never know when someone will be able to help you down the road. Which, oh please. Sometimes the best thing you can do in life is burn bridges. Douse them…
Tag: Making a Creative Life
On growing your writing career
In my inbox: I was recently asked a question on how to continue a writing career that has gotten off to a promising start. You can’t throw a rock without hitting someone who has written a book on how to break into publishing, but maintaining a writing career? Being a mid-career writer? Being a midlist…
On arriving
This week I heard from a lot of people who are disenchanted with the books they’re writing or have written. Most of the writers I know work in nonfiction, which you sell on the basis of a proposal, and once you have a contract, you write the book. It’s a tough slog, but you sort…
Building houses
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how life can make you question everything you believe. I quoted Rebecca, a reader who said, “With the initial wound of the TSC [tuberous sclerosis complex] diagnosis still fresh for us, I have shied away from examining any belief. Because, frankly, anything I have ever believed about this…
Rethinking what you believe
Last week, Jessica sat cross-legged on my bed as I was folding laundry and announced, “I believe in Santa, because he brings all those presents, but I’m not sure I believe in elves.” For some people, this would be a bittersweet moment; their child is losing innocence, and the world is getting a little less…
Making a Living Writing Short Stories?
“I am an aspiring author who wants to make it big in this industry. My passion is for writing and I would love to pursue it as a career. I have written many short stories and poems. I’d appreciate any information you can give me.” I receive questions like this every now and then,…