Charlotte Rains Dixon

8 Different Creative Practices

Since I haven't been able to write blog posts this week, I've been spending more time on my other writing—like my beloved novel and short stories. And this, in turn, has made me think more about the value of establishing good creative practices. And recently, I've come across some different kinds of practices I […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Blogging

A Blog Update

If you've tried to access my blog in the last few days you might have had issues. That's because Typepad experienced a massive DOS attack. Yeah, I had to look it up, too–DOS means Denial of Service. Apparently, the cyber thugs send huge amounts of traffic to a site and then ask for a […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Writing

How Do You Define Writing Success?

"Visualize this thing you want. See it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blueprint and begin." Robert Collier The importance of getting clear We're all well-versed in goal-setting, becoming certain about what we want, and visualizing our outcomes. Knowing what you want is a no-brainer, because how can you get "there" if you […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

The Writing Life

What Do You Give Up to Write?

Funny story: I've had this blog post in mind for the last few days. And then when it was time for me to sit down and write it, my blog host, Typepad, had two DOS (denial of service–I looked it up) attacks, on Thursday night and Friday morning. So I had to give up the […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Writing Process

The Benefits of Writing Crap (A Reminder)

Last weekend, I was at my desk. I had just started a new chapter. (I'm almost to the halfway point in my WIP, so I'm well into the dreaded muddle of the middle.) And I was throwing horrible combinations of words at the page. Really, when I say horrible, I mean horrible. Feeling a […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Procrastination

Procrastination for Writers

My newsletter comes out every two weeks without fail and usually I get the material for it to my friend who compiles it for me well ahead of time. Not this week. Yes, life got in the way–I won't bore you with the particulars. But I also procrastinated. Because if I had really wanted […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Authors Guest Post

Guest Post, Book Launch: How Getting Coached Saved My Sanity

I am thrilled to introduce you to my friend Lisa, a fellow Portlander. Her fabulous debut mystery, Kilmoon, A County Clare Mystery, just released last week. She's got an interesting take on how to get organized for a book launch. Take it away, Lisa! Book Launches: How Getting Coached Saved My Sanity by Lisa Alber […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Giveaways

Winners of the Birthday Giveaway! (With an Explanation and a Question)

Before I reveal the three winners of the birthday giveaway, an explanation and a question. The Explanation When I started this project seven years ago, it was the style to name your blog. (It still is, to a certain degree at least.) So I came up with the idea for the name Wordstrumpet. Inspired by […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Publishing Writing Process

Aiming High or Over-reaching?

This is one of those posts that I write because I don't know the answer and I'm trying to figure it out. (Ha! Like I ever know the answers.) So bear with me as I sort it out. Imagine: –a writer, talented but still raw, without a lot of words beneath her belt, finishing a […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

Reading The Writing Life

Rain or Shine Readings

My business partner Debbie and I have volunteered to take over the organization of a local reading series. It was begun last year by a mystery writer and when he moved away, one of our local writing groups, the Oregon Writer's Colony, took it over. The series is held at a coffee shop close […]

Charlotte Rains Dixon 12 years ago11/03/2015

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