INK Sisters Write

Dear Alison and friends, I planned to talk about the Monroe County Book Expo last Saturday and all about my book display and how to setup book displays and where to buy all the swag for it, but something else came to mind, so I will write that planned post, another day...  For this post, I wanted to talk about the Pros and Cons of Critique Groups vs. Hiring a Writing Coach. Last night, I taught a Nuts and Bolts class for beginner writers. I love teaching beginner writers--they're so excited about their writing and getting published, but as we know, the reality after five years together is that it ain't easy. There's actually a hell of a lot more stuff about writing and the steps to publication than I ever imagined when I first started. I shared my battle scars, errr... knowledge with them, and I  thought to myself,  "Kim, you should share your insight with all your readers too." So Writer, you’ve written a manuscript. You’ve read, revised,...

Dear Kim, THE WRITING BARN Do you still feel it? I do. The restorative effects of Bethany's Writing Barn will take me far into the New Year. For our readers who don't know,  The Writing Barn is a retreat center established by author Bethany Hegedus and her family located on her homestead, just outside the city of Austin, Texas. The grounds are a writer’s paradise; tranquil, wood-lined paths lead you from The Book House to The Cabin to the grand meeting space found in the property’s original horse barn. Bethany’s motto: Retreat, Create, and Celebrate. We did all three. Bethany shows us the latest book in her Grandfather Gandhi series, BE THE CHANGE. Donna's writing den. I thought I snapped a picture of her inside. I guess I was too busy writing. I think we all found what we needed at The Writing Barn. You found Gigi's voice. Donna found a new mystery for Hound Dog to solve (and inspiration for her own writing den, see above)...