Writing advice and a book give-away Hi Reader, Before we get to the book give-away and writing advice, we need to talk about the book ecosystem. Specifically, Amazon. I have a mixed relationship with Amazon. As an indie author, a majority of my sales come from Amazon. I try to support the broader book ecosystem, distributing my books widely, but it's harder to make a dent with nonfiction books outside of Amazon, and getting into physical retailers is difficult. So, I need to sell books on...

A writing experiment, a workshop, and an update to The Writer's Process Hi Reader, If you're in any part of the U.S. that has been buried in snow and frozen in subzero temperatures, I hope this email warms you. Times are tricky indeed—which makes it more important that we write for ourselves and others. I've read many moving, personal stories of experiences with ICE and with ice this winter. Here are three things that might help: February's writing experiment, useful for anyone having trouble...

Hello Reader, As I type this, a dozen cedar waxwings perch on the bare branches of the plum tree outside my window. I'll take that as a good sign. Reading the news is difficult these days, but looking out the window almost always delivers. Books are another great escape during turbulent times. I've just finished a couple memoirs by great writers: Joyride by Susan Orlean and Working by Robert Caro. Those writers' stories inspired this week's post. Because the post is short, you can read the...