Musings Archives : Page 6 of 9 : JamiFairleigh.com

The Many Puzzles of Writing

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

Imagine this. You love puzzles, and have started to assemble a jigsaw, but just as you're building steam and pieces of the overall picture are emerging from the jumble of pieces, you open a second puzzle and dump those pieces...Read More

It’s Preptober! 5 Steps to Preparing Yourself for a Successful NaNoWriMo

Posted on October 1, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

If, like me, you woke up this morning with a thrill zipping down your spine, welcome to Preptober! The shorter days and cooler nights mean fuzzy sweaters, hot drinks, and more guilt-free indoor time, which for many of us, means...Read More

PNWA 2021 Conference Recap

Posted on September 24, 2021September 24, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

Ah, the Pacific Northwest, home of orcas, exceptional music, mushrooms, and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association (PNWA). Even in the shadow of the 'Zon, coffee shops and independent bookstores thrive in the Seattle area. Our soggy season of mist and...Read More

10 Ways to Find Ideas for Your Next Story

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

If you're new to writing, you may wonder how to find writing ideas and inspirations for your stories. The good news is there's no bad way into a story! Here are ten ways I have generated story ideas. 1. Write...Read More

The GIF Illustrated Guide to the Emotional States of First Book Publication

Posted on September 3, 2021February 11, 2022 by Jami Fairleigh

On Wednesday, September 1, I published my first novel, Oil and Dust. Here is a humorous (but accurate) accounting of my emotional states throughout the week. Use this guide to giggle your way into your weekend, or to better prepare...Read More

The Controversy Around Content and Trigger Warnings

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

Content warnings (also called trigger warnings) were not something I was aware of while getting Oil and Dust ready for publication. In fact, when doing the research on what belongs in the front and back matter of a book, none...Read More

Why You NEED An Author Website

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

If you've ever wondered, "Do I really need an author website?" I'm here to tell you, the answer is yes, and here's why. Build Your Audience Your website provides a platform to connect with your readers. Don't have any readers...Read More

Celebrate Your Writing Wins

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

Let's be real, writing is hard, but one way to push through a novel's saggy middle, the inevitable critical feedback, endless editing, and all other manner of creative discouragement is to celebrate your writing wins. Regardless of if your win...Read More

Self-Promotion for Authors

Posted on July 23, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

When I started writing Oil and Dust, the notion of self-promotion was never a consideration. As the writer, I thought my purpose was to craft the best story I was capable of. Done. What I didn't consider was after I...Read More

Fail Forward

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

Have you ever noticed the word fail is almost an onomatopoeia? No? Then you haven't allowed your forehead to hit your desk as often as I have. This week, I thought I'd share my five latest oops moments. Schedule Snafu...Read More

10 Reasons You Should Finish Your Book

Posted on May 14, 2021 by Jami Fairleigh

My debut novel is rounding the last bend toward completion, and I am committed to finishing my book. I am also overwhelmed, terrified, exhausted, and constantly second-guessing my decisions. And guess what? This is normal. Here are 10 reasons I...Read More