Tag Archives: writing

What It Means to Overcome Fear

Posted on April 3, 2017 by

Today I’m thinking about fear, and all the wondrous things it holds us back from. Since I’m kicking my own booty over the fear factor, I’ll be inclusive and kick yours too. I’m a giver like that. 🙂 Awhile back, … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Journey | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

5 Lessons I Learned From Winning NaNoWriMo

Posted on December 5, 2016 by

After eight years of trying, I finally won NaNoWriMo this year. It was glorious, affirming, life-changing. Here are five reasons why THIS time was a success. Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, NaNoWriMo | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

NaNoWriMo Success Tip # 3: Some Days You Need a Pep Talk

Posted on November 8, 2016 by

In the boggy barren tundra of NaNo’s Week 2, you will need a pep talk. You will need encouragement. You will need people to help lift you out of the despair of your giant plot holes. Trust me on this one. Here are three ways to get your NaNo mojo back. Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, NaNoWriMo | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

NaNoWriMo Success Tip # 2: Focus On Your One-Inch Picture Frame

Posted on November 2, 2016 by

One of the most stellar bits of writing advice I’ve ever read was dispensed by Anne Lamott, the author of writing classic, Bird by Bird. Not only does Lamott give you “permission to write crap,” she also gives great brainstorming advice … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, NaNoWriMo | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Day 1 of NaNoWriMo: Are You Writing With Abandon?

Posted on November 1, 2016 by

Last weekend I attended the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Conference in Los Angeles. It was stupendous (and about 20 other sublime adjectives), chock-full of great people and inspiration. There was a NaNoWriMo pep rally with Grant Faulker…and a bunch of aspiring … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, NaNoWriMo | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

What Is UP at More Cowbell?

Posted on May 28, 2015 by

The short answer to the title question is: not as much lately. Y’all have been a bit neglected of late. I’ve had two hilarious Undie Chronicles on deck for three weeks now, with not so much time to write them because … Continue reading →

Posted in More Cowbell | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

How Many Years Does It Take to “Break Out?”

Posted on January 15, 2015 by

In 2002 Donald Maass published Writing the Breakout Novel, a book now famous throughout the writing land. I sat in the fifth row, through his all-day workshop in Orange County in 2004, thinking: “This guy scares the bejeezus out of me. I’ll never … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Journey | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Little Darlings Anonymous — 12 Steps to Recovery

Posted on October 21, 2014 by

A Techie Tuesday gift to all my writing friends. . . Hello. My name is Piper Bayard, and I’m a Little Darling Addict. Hi, Piper. Welcome. Thank you. I’d like to say I’m happy to be here today, but that … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Techie Tuesday | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

Humongous Dreams and the Wilds of Colorado

Posted on October 9, 2014 by

If y’all see me hanging out chatting ANYWHERE online for the next five days, I give you leave to shake your finger at me. I will be “immersing” with Margie Lawson, which is like getting the Keanu Reeves “Matrix upload” … Continue reading →

Posted in Amazing Writers, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Do You Define Your Writing Process? Maybe You Should.

Posted on May 30, 2014 by

Whether you’re a writer, blogger or a businessperson, it’s important to define the writing process that works for you so you can be faster and more effective at it. Are you someone who likes to gather tons of research and … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, The Writing Journey | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments