We attended church for the third time this week. Ever. Okay, well, as “non-mandatory” visitors. Meaning not for a wedding or funeral or baptism, but a Bonafide churchgoers. By now, we’ve navigated what to expect, where(abouts) we would sit, and how the service would run. All good on the technical. As for the ‘feels,’ we hoped … Read More
Showing all posts by Elsa Kurt
How To Take Nothing Personally
We all know what’s comes after the words, “Don’t take this personally, but…” An insult. Same goes for “no offense.” There is a guaranteed offense either before or after those words. The intent, of course, is to disarm you and make you defenseless because, well, they told you how not to react. It’s a good … Read More
Share this:
5 Ways To Help Someone with TDS
If you’re an openly conservative or moderate American, you’ve undoubtedly seen them: the Everything-Relates-Back-To-Trump fanatics. Thankfully, we now have an official diagnosis for this often mentally and socially debilitating illness: Trump Derangement Syndrome, or TDS. Sadly, this affliction impacts thousands of men and women across the country. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to negatively impact everyone … Read More
Share this:
Combating the Strawman Fallacy in 3 Easy Steps
Let’s first go over what The Strawman Fallacy (or argument) is: The straw man fallacy involves misrepresenting an opponent’s position to make it easier to refute. It oversimplifies an opposing view or disregards inconvenient points in favor of points that are easy to argue against. The flow of this fallacy of relevance usually goes like … Read More
Share this:
Reckless Words and Why They Still Matter
Before We Begin I need to clarify because I want no mistake made in thinking I might have a penchant for liberal word fuckery. I do not. (If you like to read an amazing book on this, check out Michael Knowles Speechless) I am a “facts over feelings” woman, a “toughen up buttercup” woman. Blame … Read More
Share this:
Making Home Your Haven
Making home the haven. Now that sounds nice, doesn’t? But is it easy? Hell no, at least not at first. But the fact is, if you’ve married a police officer, then you know you didn’t sign on for ‘easy’. After I wrote my story “Life Lessons I’ve Learned From Being A Police Wife” I was … Read More
Share this:
How To Spot Empowerment Imposters
em·pow·er·ment – əmˈpouərmənt/ : the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. “political steps for the empowerment of women” It’s one of my favorite four syllable words; right up there with inspiration and motivation. Those kinds of words are like mantras and warrior cries, particularly for … Read More
Share this:
Nice Guy… Or Narcissist?
Hello, I’m New Here (A Question For The Christians)
If you’re a longtime Christian, bear with me here as I learn and navigate and maybe too boisterously share my discoveries. In fact, you can skip down to the last paragraph, if you’d like. If you’re new, like me, let’s chat for a sec. Okay, can I first ask… doesn’t this feel like we just … Read More
Share this:
How To Survive in Troubled Times
Usually, we save the best and most important message of a story for last. Not this time. The number one, most effective way to survive in troubled times is: God. I’m not talking a casual, call on ya when I need something relationship with Him. I’m talking about a deep, abiding faith and trust in … Read More
Share this:
What are the three biggest challenges of being a police spouse? A LEOW candidly shares.
What are the three biggest challenges of being a police spouse? A LEOW candidly shares. Any police spouse reading the headline will likely say, “You only came up with three? Please.” However, most “micro” challenges stem from these three trials. Each, in its own right, can harm or even devastate a relationship. So what are … Read More
Share this:
TikTok For Authors? Yes!
Should You? Would You? Could You? No, you didn’t land in a Dr. Seuss story. These are just three questions anyone considering using the social media platform known as TikTok might be asking themselves. In this post, we’re not talking just anyone, we’re talking authors. But before we answer those Seussian questions, let’s talk about … Read More
Share this:
5 Tips For Your Elevator Pitch
What’s An Elevator Pitch? I never like to assume everyone understands/knows these terms. While it’s a common phrase in some circles, it’s not it others. So, for those who don’t know: Your elevator pitch (in this case) is you “selling” yourself & your book to a potential reader in a short time… as in under … Read More
Share this:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Launch (Your Book)
Congratulations! You did it. You actually did it. Has it sunk in yet? You said you were going to write a book, and you wrote a mother trucking book. You poured your heart and energy and God given (or hard gained) talent into it. So, um, now what? Say It Loud, Say It Proud If … Read More
Share this:
To Blog, Or Not To Blog?
The 8 Week Novel
Can you write a novel in eight weeks? And why on earth would you want to? The answers are inside…
Share this:
All About ISBNs
First: What’s An ISBN? ISBN = International Standard Book Number. These numbers are created and sold through Bowker Identifier Services. This is the only legitimate source of ISBNs. This assigned, unique 10 or 13 digit number identifies your book to retailers, libraries, and such all around the world. ISBNs are purchased by the publisher or … Read More
Share this:
Selective Outrage & Armchair Activism
You’re Not Going to Like This Post. And I’m not sorry. The good news is, you don’t have to read it, like it, agree with it, or share it. So, there’s the fair warning. If you feel this post is directed at you, your problems are way bigger than some lady you don’t know writing … Read More
Share this:
4 Must Have Resources For Writers
Can I get a hell, yeah? Yep, writing is harder for us simply because it means more to us. So, how about I give you my four all-time favorite resources for making things a bit easier? The first one is my go-to for self-edits. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing edits without it… 1) Pro Writing … Read More
Share this:
How To Become An Author
Write. Edit. Publish. Ta-da! End of article! Kidding, I’m kidding. If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. Sure, in it’s stripped down form, yes, that’s the process. But when you break it alllll down into it’s steps, it’s a wee bit more complex. Let’s start with the obvious. You need to have … Read More
Share this:
7 Signs You’re On Your Path
The Catalyst In a recent session with a client regarding his particular journey toward writing, I said the following, Listen, I know this’ll probably sound super flaky, but I really believe in signs. I think they’re everywhere, and they’re trying to point you in the right direction. You just have to pay attention and follow … Read More
Share this:
Language, Please.
So, we already experience the collective cringe when… we hear someone misuse two, too, and to, or they’re, there, and their, or… you get the idea. Those are the equivalent to nails-on-a-chalkboard for writers, amiright?? That means I’m not even going to address them. We’re good. Today, I’d rather tackle something that is usually only … Read More
Share this:
Love In A Time of Corona-Virus. (A Romantic Comedy Very Short Story)
Julia stood in the doorway of the bar, unsure whether to step inside or turn around and go home. Was he there already? Waiting? Perhaps he’d changed his mind. She’d be okay with that. Home is the safest place, anyhow. Her internal debate paused mid-thought when a muffled female voice from behind her said, “Uryurgringshide, … Read More
Share this:
Five Ways To Find Time To Write
You’re busy. You’re tired. You have too many thoughts crowding your brainbox. I know. Oh, AND most of your best ideas come when it’s impossible for you to write. Welcome to the Writer’s World. The good news? There are worse problems to be had. The good news part two (because screw bad news)? We can … Read More
Share this:
Thank You!
Click Image below to download your guide
Share this:
Thank You!
Click Image to Download Your Guide
Share this:
Thank You!
Click on the image below to download your Resource Guide
Share this:
Thank You!
Click on the image below to download your Path To Authorship Quick Guide!
Share this:
Thank You!
You’re ready to get on the path to authorship! Click image below to download your guide.
Share this:
Feather Anne’s Song – Book Five in Welcome To Chance
Guess what? Book five in the Welcome to Chance series is coming! Mark your calendars for February 11th, 2020. I couldn’t be more excited to bring to you Feather Anne’s Song, but I confess… this was a tough one! As in: box of tissues by the laptop tough. I’m pretty sure some readers mught get … Read More
Share this:
Five Ways To Embrace The Chaos
I Don’t Know Who Needs To Read This, But… Cut yourself some slack, mama. Or papa, or whoever you are. Yeah, we see these quotes all the time – the slow downs, smell the roses, get Zen, breathe, chill, and my favorite: Embrace the Chaos – we know, we know. We also know it’s easier … Read More
Share this:
Finding A Publisher
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! As A Matter Of Course… Throughout the process of writing your book, you’re probably – at least in the back of your mind – contemplating how to publish it. Back in the day, there was only one real option: a publishing company. Sure, you could print … Read More
Share this:
Roadblocks of Writing (And How To Get Around Them)
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Let’s Get This Out Of The Way If you’ve come to know me & my blog writing style, you know I hate fluff and nonsense. I do this obligatory first paragraph, then we jump right in. My (logical) guess is that you’ve opened this link because … Read More
Share this:
20 Things You Need For A Book Signing
First: Congratulations! You’ve booked a signing! Now what, right? You know the obvious things to bring: books. But how many? And what the hell else?! I Gotcha. Let’s start with that obvious one & work our way down. Books. Depending on the venue, between 20-50 is a safe number. However, best practice is to have … Read More
Share this:
How To Create A Facebook Business Page (And Why You Need One)
Social Media. It may be a lot of (negative) things, but it’s also an extremely wide-reaching, FREE platform for you to put your book and yourself on. It’s basically a no-brainer, right? So, what’s holding you back? Maybe you’ve been dreading it. Or maybe you don’t think you need it. Well, I hate to break … Read More
Share this:
The Solution To Your Social Media Struggles
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Okay, the solution may be slightly dramatic. But it’s definitely a solution. One I happen to love, too. It turns out I’m a List Girl. Pretty sure I made that up, so now it’s a thing. We’re non-discriminatory, so if you’re a List Guy, you’re welcome … Read More
Share this:
What No One Tells You About Publishing
I’m not saying it’s really a secret, but it also isn’t the first thing authors talk about when discussing their books. In fairness, why should it be? We want to tell you about our book, not how it got published! Now, if we’re specifically asked…we’ll talk your head off. Kidding. It’s actually a mixed bag … Read More
Share this:
A Book And A Chat With Barry Eva
I had the recent honor of being a guest on Barry Eva’s A Book and A Chat and I thought I’d share it with you! Thanks Barry for a great chat!
Share this:
Writer Tribe Talk Episodes
Share this:
Signs You Might Have Imposter Syndrome
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Imagine: You’ve written and published your first book. It’s out in the universe, available on Amazon – freaking Amazon, man – and you’re at a dinner party. Someone says to you “So, what do you do?” Is your answer: A) I’m an author. I’ve just published … Read More
Share this:
Elements of A Story
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! The 8 Elements of a Story: Setting: This is where the story takes place & can be one or multiple locations and/or time periods. Character: The star (or stars) of your ‘show’ Plot: The meat of what happens in your story. from set up (introduction) to … Read More
Share this:
Inside The Outline
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE DOWNLOAD! I Don’t There, I’ve confessed. I’m a hardcore, all-out pantser. I sit, I write, I watch the story unfold in front of me. Therefore, my outlining advice comes not from me, but from people who actually outline their books before writing them. Now, I’m going to go blah … Read More
Share this:
Which Self-Publishing Platform Should I Use?
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE WRITE>PUBLISH>PROMOTE CHEATSHEET DOWNLOAD ! Excellent question! But… I don’t have the answer to that. Sorry. I’m afraid you’ll have to decide this one for yourself, based on what fits your needs. If you want nothing to do with formatting, you’ll choose a platform that offers this service (several do, fees … Read More
Share this:
How To Make Your Mood Inspire Your Writing
Make Your Mood Your Bitch Sorry, that was… aggressive. But guess what? That’s kind of how I’m feeling today. Also I’d prefer to call it assertive. It sounds nicer. Point being, I thought I’d use my current mood to discuss mood writing. It’s exactly how it sounds (if it sounds like using your mood to … Read More
Share this:
How To Publish Your Book on KDP – Video
Step by Step Visual Guide for Publishing on KDP
Share this:
STAGES OF WRITING
STAGES OF W. P. P (writing, publishing, promoting). If you have not already done so: Determine – or create – your workspace. Designate a time of day, and/or a daily time length you’ll devote to writing. *no hard rule here – set a ‘keepable’ goal! Knowing what kind of writer you are – a planner, … Read More
Share this:
GLOSSARY of COMMON TERMS
Anthology: A book that’s a collection of articles or stories written by several people. ARC: Pre-publication advance review copy or advance reader copy. Send this when looking for media/trade/literary reviews, reader reviews you wanted posted as soon as you officially publish the book, and blurbs from endorsers (see below). Back matter: Material at the end of the book, … Read More
Share this:
On Writing – Style Do’s & Don’ts
I Hate Fluff, So… The second best person to learn proper punctuation from is one who has failed and learned from their mistakes. The first person, of course, is an expert. Luckily for you, this post has both. Which one am I, you ask? Expert? *Cue crickets. Person who has failed and learned? *Raises hand … Read More
