For the Criminally Inane

Writing isn't just sitting down and letting magic slip from your head to your fingers to your keyboard. Writers do so much more than just write. Here are a few things I have done as I've written my clean romantic suspense and clean romantic comedy. 1. Attend conferences. Conferences are good for networking in your genre, honing skills, taking classes, meeting people for critique partners, writing groups, pitching, and making friends. And they are fun! I've met like-minded people who are serious in their career and writers who are more successful than I am and who can inspire me. 2. Read. This goes without saying but a lot of writers read. What are they reading? Fiction. In their genre, out of their genre, similar to their genre. I also read a lot of non-fiction, biographies, writing books, and children's books. 3. Enter contests. One of the biggest deadlines in my life right now is entering contests. I do this to get exposure, professional feedback and a chance...

Week 1 Paris! I highly recommend visiting Paris in the Spring. But to make sure you have the best time, I’ve compiled a set of lists. Here is the first one with longer explanations below. Top ten Tips for visiting Paris: 1.Weekly Metro passes start on Mondays and only Mondays 2. Bring a passport picture if you want a weekly bus pass 3. Order carbonated water 4. Don’t go on a jour de féirié (holiday) if you plan on shopping. 5. Don’t drink tap water 6. Learn at least how to say, “I don’t speak French.” 7. Don’t leave a tip 8. When eating out, clearly signal the waiter, they won’t interrupt you. 9. Bring good walking shoes but not tennis shoes and practice walking up stairs 10. Don’t talk loud in English anywhere 1. Weekly metro/bus passes is the cheapest way to get around. Unless you're afraid of being underground, use the metro or the buses to get around. There is Uber, but I always think that if you are in Paris, act as the Parisians. Also if you get there b...