Selling Short Stories, Part 1: Know Your Value

I just read Playing the Short Game, by Doug Smith.  It had some very valuable insight about the short story market.  Over the next few articles, I’ll be distilling some of his insights about short stories, as well as adding a few of my own.  This week I’ll be preparing the soil, so to speak,… Read more »

Episode 51: Interview with Calee Lee of Xist Publishing

Hello and welcome to another exciting episode of DIY MFA Radio! Today I’m interviewing Calee Lee, the founder and CEO of Xist Publishing, the largest independent digital-first children’s publisher. She is also the author of more than 15  books for children. Dedicated to helping kids develop a lifetime love of reading, she founded Xist Publishing in… Read more »

#5OnFri: Five Benefits of Pitch Sessions

Happy Friday, Word Nerds! We’re now well and truly into summer and conference season has begun! In fact, Gabriela and Emily are attending Thrillerfest right now. In a few weeks, Sarah will be attending the Romance Writers of America Conference, and a week after that, Gabriela and I will be at Writers Digest. And this… Read more »

Episode 50: How to Create Your Own Mini Writing Retreat

Hey Word Nerds! Welcome to another episode of DIY MFA Radio. Back in June, I went on my first mini writing retreat right here in my hometown of New York City. I didn’t go far from home–just a couple of miles–but I left the house, went to a hotel and spent about 24 hours immersed in my writing…. Read more »

Be Well, Write Well: Do A Character Study on Yourself

Welcome to the first installment of “Be Well, Write Well,” a column about writing wellness! I’m Leanne Sowul, writer, reader and educator. In this series, we’ll explore our potential for living healthy, happy lives that balance writing passion with overall wellness. Are you ready to dive in with me? Let’s grow and learn together! Writers… Read more »

#5OnFri: Five Reasons to Sign up NOW for #WICon2015

Happy almost Independence Day! I know it’s not Friday, but I was so excited to share this post, I couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Plus it’s a holiday week, so here’s our regular #5onFri column, this week on a Thursday. We’re deep into summer now, and everyone’s minds are on barbecues and beach trips. But here… Read more »

The Good News about “Bad Characters”

I have a confession to make.  My two daughters loved Junie B. Jones when they were little.  Adored that whole (giant) series by Barbara Park.  And I hated those books with a fiery passion. As a narrator, Junie B. was rude, impulsive and disobedient, with poor grammar and misspelled words to boot.  She was my… Read more »