Category: review
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Bookstore Review: A visit to C. Simpson
I have mixed feelings about used book shops. They are often dusty and cause issues with my allergies. They are sometimes disorganized or have vague pricing policies. So, I don’t often stop at random used book shops. But I have seen C. Simpson Used Books in Gilbert, Pa., on Route…
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A rant on finding a writing craft book…
I have four physical writing craft books on my desk and a to-be-read pile of 10-15 books in every room of my house. And this month, I am reading my unsolicited submission pile while overseeing a ridiculous amount of summer releases from my brand. (But as I see the first…
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A visit to Firefly in Kutztown
Yesterday, my daughter and I made the 45-minute drive to Kutztown, Pa. (which took an hour because of a fatal accident) to meet a writer friend for a coffee and a visit to Firefly Bookstore. Now, I know Firefly is a local favorite, even for those of us in the…
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Free writers resources
I budget a regular amount of time to read other people’s newsletters, download their reader magnets and attend free webinars. As a member of Behind Our Eyes, the email-based writing group for people with disabilities, I receive information from other writers about resources and opportunities. Clenell Anthony, the author of the romantic thriller Fractured (which I…
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The Newsroom
Sometimes I have to escape the written word. Sometimes my eyes hurt, or my brain runs out of juice. Sometimes I don’t even have it left in me to read for pleasure. So I watch some TV. I love documentaries, and anything about fashion, and stand-up comedy. (I made my…
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14 Day Author Profit Challenge with Bryan Cohen
It happened one week into my 14-day author profit challenge with Amazon Ad guru Bryan Cohen. I had my first click and my impressions doubled. I am the world’s most pragmatic optimist— I want to believe that things turn out for the best but am always planning for the worst. I…
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Poetry Rocks!
A while ago Art Director Gayle Hendricks (who teaches graphic design at Northampton Community College) asked me if I wanted to join her for a poetry walk. These were the details: All are welcome to enjoy a unique experience blending nature, poetry, and mindfulness at the Bethlehem campus’ beautiful acreage,…
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There is no art without story
As a journalist, I know there is always a story. If two people are in a room, I used to tell my interns and new reporters, there is a story. If a meeting gets canceled, there’s a story why. As humans, we cherish story. We may live in day-to-day routines but our entertainment,…
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I went to a writing conference and came home with the keynote’s haircut
I have a “Networking for Writers” talk which I presented at the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group a few weeks ago to help prepare members for the conference that happened March 13-15. (You can see the slides as a paid subscriber to my Substack.) In that talk, I assume that everyone listening…
Parisian Phoenix Publishing 