Musings Archives : Page 4 of 10 : JamiFairleigh.com

A Moment to Grieve Otis

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

This week, we had to say goodbye to Otis, one of our parrots. Though he was elderly, the loss was sudden and unexpected. It's been a tough, emotional time so I'm giving myself a bit of grace and skipping my...Read More

Lessons Learned After Publishing My Debut

Posted on September 2, 2022September 2, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

Yesterday was Oil and Dust's "book birthday", aka its one year publication anniversary, which made me think about the lessons I've learned over the past year. During the past twelve months, I've published two books and have a third nearly...Read More

Give Yourself Grace With Your Writing

Posted on August 26, 2022September 2, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

If you've struggled with feelings of writing-related anxiety, guilt, or shame, know that you're not alone... and it's time to give yourself grace. As a part-time writer, I struggle to find balance. There aren't enough minutes in an hour, hours...Read More

What Do You Need to Write a Novel?

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

You've always wanted to write a novel... so what's stopping you? While there are a myriad of writing coaches, instructors, programs, and even software to help you, you don't need any of it. All you need to write a novel...Read More

Writing Conference Takeaways

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

Last week, I drove to Bozeman Montana for my first in-person writing conference and I thought I'd share my conference takeaways. This was only my second in-person writing event, and the first was a writing retreat. Even though I wasn't...Read More

Why I Read (and Write) Fantasy

Posted on July 8, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

Ah, fantasy. It's been my favorite genre since I was a kid, and my interest in reading it has only grown as the years have gone by. Ninety percent of the books I've read this year have had some sort...Read More

Enrich Your Writing with Sensory Details

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

Using sensory details in your writing is one of the best ways to capture your reader's attention. This is because incorporating sensory details empowers a reader to create a vivid mental picture of the scene. Not only do sensory words...Read More

Novels with Terrific Opening Lines

Posted on June 24, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

The opening lines of a novel are important to me. As a reader, I want the beginning of a novel to give me a reason to snuggle into my chair. Great opening lines give me a sense of the narrator's...Read More

5 Reasons to Journal About Your Writing

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

A journal is a terrific instrument for self-reflection and awareness, but did you know it's also a helpful writing tool? By documenting your thoughts and feelings about your writing, you can strengthen your resilience and make important connections between who...Read More