When the reality of the need to be more than a one-trick pony sinks in for an author, the pressure mounts. How can you write fast enough (and well enough at the same time) to make a living at it? Maybe you’re trying to fit writing in around a day job/life. Maybe you’ve given up […]
Category: Career
The Uncomfortable Silence
Time for the annual republication of this classic—I’d say “enjoy,” but really I’d rather it make you squirm a little bit. Also, if you find errors in my books, PUH-LEEZE email me at pamela at pamelafaganhutchins dot com. I fix them. And let my beleaguered copyeditor know, so we can both learn from the ones […]
The Down Low on My Hollywood Pitch Trip: My 5 Rs of Book-to-Screen Pitching
A year ago, I was invited to attend “Adapting to Hollywood,” a conference thrown by Sisters in Crime (primarily the fabulous LA Chapter) and for which I didn’t have to spend one red cent. I still don’t know how I got invited, but I’ll take it. What was obvious from the get-go was that indies like […]
15 Habits of Successful Writers
15 Habits of Successful Writers Write something EVERY day Read (a little) every day Watch a little TV or movies weekly Eliminate distractions, but write when and where it works best for you Observe and experience, actively Plan your writing (yep, I mean storyboard and outline) Make notes or a journal of observations, anecdotes, and experiences […]
Career Strategy: When to take and when to tank well-meaning advice.
Here’s a blast from the past from Pamela Fagan Hutchins, who has since published ten novels and a novella and one more nonfiction book, quit her day job, and is writing novel number twelve and novella two as we speak. Catch her brand new show, Wine Women & Writing Radio, debuting Friday May 4 at […]
Stealing Magic From the Sky: What Inspires Your Best Writing?
SkipJack congratulates Pamela Fagan Hutchins for winning the 2017 Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery with her heartfelt and suspenseful Fighting for Anna. We hope you enjoy this inspirational post from Pamela. Writers often get asked where they write and what inspires them. My answer has always been that I like to write outside. Pedantic, though true […]
3 Ways Less Creates More for Your Writing
From time to time, you should take stock of your life for situations that no longer serve you or your writing, then let them go. Even activities you once loved. Doing so will help your creative process overall. Recently, I shared how I’ve given up the last of my regular guest posts on huge writing blogs. The […]
How to Stretch Yourself as a Writer (without breaking)
Back in the day, my brother had a Stretch Armstrong doll that we loved as kids. He’d yank that poor guy one way and I’d pull him the other way until we s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d him as far as we could. We thought it was hysterical and spent hours torturing playing with him. Sometimes, I feel like Stretch Armstrong. Writers […]
August 2018 Novelists Retreat in the Bighorn Mountains with Bestselling Author
Hi Y’all: SkipJack followers (and your clients, friends, and family), y’all get early dibs on the August 2018 novelists retreat at our (Eric and Pamela’s) new Wyoming Snowheresville, a big ole former B&B! It’s a pretty awesome place and area! This retreat is going to focus on productivity and craft, but the nighttime conversations will be […]
Cha-Ching: Strategy to Maximize Rankings and Royalties
Recently I had the honor of attending my first Novelists, Inc. conference. It is a “must-attend” annually for me from here out. My head is spinning with ideas and information that will change strategy and tactics for me, in big and small ways. I blogged most recently on the series-promotion strategies I took away from […]