Monthly Archives: February 2017

On Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Laura Orsini

On Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome by Elizabeth Blake Let’s start with a confession: I was binge-watching Parks and Recreation last night. Why where my eyes were glued to the television instead of my current rough draft? That’s subject matter for … Continue reading →

Posted in Elizabeth Blake | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

February, the Month of Love

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Laura Orsini

February, the Month of Love by Joe Carroccio We took a brief break from marketing 16 in ’64 in February, this month of love, love, love – but not because of Valentine’s Day or a lack of enthusiasm on our … Continue reading →

Posted in Joe Carroccio | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Frogs and Ponds

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Frogs and Ponds by Mary Ellen Stepanich My growing-up years were spent in a sleepy little town in southern Indiana. My entire world was contained in just a few square miles. I was surrounded by my entire family – maternal … Continue reading →

Posted in Mary Ellen Stepanich | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Writing, Alone, Does Not “Cut It”

Posted on February 22, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Writing, Alone, Does Not “Cut It” by Jack Dermody Writing, for me, is almost a desperate need. I have always assumed there were people out there who cared about what I wrote. In my youth, parents, relatives, and friends received … Continue reading →

Posted in Jack Dermody | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Motivation of an Alcoholic

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Motivation of an Alcoholic by Lara Garcia Day 1: I hope you slept well, baby boy. Day 2: Make it your day! Day 3: It might be hard, but you can do it! Be positive; be thankful. Day 4: Stay … Continue reading →

Posted in Lara Garcia | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Sense of Place: Its Role in a Story and What to Capitalize

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Laura Orsini

A Sense of Place: Its Role in a Story and What to Capitalize by Kathleen Watson [NOTE: Stop by to greet Kathy at Barnes & Noble, 13719 W. Bell Road in Surprise, Ariz., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on … Continue reading →

Posted in Kathleen Watson | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Prepare Your Manuscript for Feedback and Editing: Keep It Simple!

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Laura Orsini

Prepare Your Manuscript for Feedback and Editing: Keep It Simple! by Matthew Howard A well-prepared manuscript will improve the feedback and editing stages that come next. A clean, simple format makes it easier for friends, colleagues, workshop participants, editors, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Matthew Howard | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

The Joy of Flash

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Laura Orsini

The Joy of Flash by Vaughn Treude Flash has nothing to do with exhibitionism, the Adobe browser plugin, or the superhero who runs really fast; it’s the niche category of very short fiction. Flash fiction is defined as stories of … Continue reading →

Posted in Vaughn Treude | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

How Acting Improved My Writing

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Laura Orsini

How Acting Improved My Writing by Cody Wagner So I’ve been jumping back into theater lately. I’m not bragging or anything. I mean, I’m a really awful actor. Just awful. I actually wrote a character in my novel who auditions … Continue reading →

Posted in Cody Wagner | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

My Passion for Adoption

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Laura Orsini

My Passion for Adoption by Beth Kozan After a 30-year career in adoptions, I was interviewed for a job to become the director of adoptions where I worked. I was asked if I wanted to go further up the chain … Continue reading →

Posted in Beth Kozan | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments