by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28 I have a confession. I like to take pictures of my shoes. I don’t have a shoe fetish, just a travel one. When I go somewhere new, I like to take a picture of my feet on the unique paths I discover—cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, bricked…

By Tammy Karasek @tickledpinktam Writer, are you engaged? No, I’m not talking about wearing new shiny bling on your left hand. I’m referring to engagement related to your writing. Stick with me, here. I have three questions regarding three Rs of writing, and then I’ll explain what I mean. Question…

By W. Terry Whalin @terrywhalin Because I’m involved in publishing, publishers and authors will send me books to review. As a literary agent or editor, writers will send email pitches or book proposals or manuscripts in the mail for consideration. If I am not consciously organizing this material, it does not…

Not sure if the Mountainside Novelist Retreat is for you? Don’t just take our word for it—hear from past attendees: "The Mountainside Novelist Retreat was highly impactful to my journey as a new writer. The staff was gracious and eager to provide constructive criticism when I needed guidance with my…

by Ane Mulligan  @AneMulligan According to a song lyric by Linda Rondeau: Home, home in the industry Where the writers and publishers play Where seldom is heard An encouraging word And the skies are so cloudy all day. Thanks, Linda for letting me borrow the lyric. Yes, I've experienced discouragement…

by Lynn Blackburn @LYNNHBLACKBURN  I recently survived another deadline. I’m in the teens at this point. Was it the thirteenth? Fourteenth? I’ve lost track. Regardless, after this many deadlines, you might think that would mean I was prepared for the aftermath. You would be wrong. Even though I should have known…