I Took a 5 Month Honeymoon. Here’s What I Learned About Happiness.

Once we started traveling, we began to see firsthand what it looked like to live out our dreams. Through beginning our shared life in such a foreign context, we began to challenge our assumptions that life would move fixedly and predictably from one stage to the next. We began to develop instead a growth-oriented mindset of creating whatever future we wanted.

Facing Down Your Writing Fears

I know I'm not the only one who struggles with a fear of embracing the creative life. Embracing this role as a creator is hard work, and no matter where you are in your creative journey, taking the leap to the next level can be daunting. It's personal and different and daring, and all those delicious things that usually accompany the goals and dreams we long for most.

North Shore Life | December and New Beginnings

Since moving to Minnesota's North Shore I've had people ask what it's really like to live here year-round. In this month-by-month journal, I take you through the full year to give you a glimpse of What it's Really Like. Greetings, Northern ones. This has been a year. I think that goes without saying. We've all … Continue reading North Shore Life | December and New Beginnings

North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | October

October has come and gone like a whirlwind, bringing some of the loveliest afternoons, brilliant gold colors, and crashing waves. It also took with it the last of the leaves and warm days, and sent us into chilly November as it should. October is the last hurrah of the busy season on the North Shore. … Continue reading North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | October

Thinking of NaNoWriMo? The Truth About Writing a Novel in a Month

Thinking of NaNoWriMo?

Well, it's October, and you know what that means: yellow leaves, a chill in the air, and a growing buzz about NaNoWriMo. If that just looked like a goofy jumble of letters and not a word, allow me to explain. NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month, a yearly event where people from around the world … Continue reading Thinking of NaNoWriMo? The Truth About Writing a Novel in a Month

Sticking it Out: When to Keep Working on Your WIP

You're the author, and you're in control of the story. If you want to keep writing, I think you can make it happen. If you want to be done, you have the power to make that choice too. It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether your manuscript is worth your precious time.

Breaking it Off: When to Give Up on Your WIP

There's a lot of writer advice out there that errs on the side of keeping it up at all costs. "You can work through anything!" "Never quit!" "Think of how good it will feel when you actually finish this manuscript!" Well, I'm here to say that not all manuscripts are meant to be finished. And some of them should be quit. 

North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | August

Since moving to Minnesota’s North Shore I’ve had people ask what it’s really like to live here year-round. In this month-by-month journal, I take you through the full year to give you a glimpse of What it’s Really Like. Natalie Babbitt wrote in Tuck Everlasting that the first week of August "hangs at the very top of … Continue reading North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | August