The sun comes out from behind the cloud and the warming rays fall across your shoulders. Mmmm. In the garden you select a newly opened rose and inhale its spicy sweetness while gazing at the perfect velvety petals unfurling. Beautiful! Standing at the beach you hear the crashing roar of the waves and the distant call of the seabirds as you breathe in the fresh salty sea air. You scrunch your toes in the warm sand, listening to the hiss ...

If you are serious about becoming a published author, stop writing novels you hope will sell. Do what best-sellling writers do—plan and write salability into every page. Mastering basic techniques is vital, but unless you use those techniques creatively and skillfully, your novel may not tempt an editor. Why risk rejection when you can learn what the professionals know. Learn how bestsellers are planned and written. Don’t hope for success, make it happen. Write your novel so it sells. Here ...

The first step is to become your own best friend and cheerleader. Begin by acknowledging your talents and abilities. Write a list. Include the ‘little things‘, they count! Everybody is good at something. Think of the things that come easily to you. Take time to do this exercise, it will encourage you to recognize what you‘re good at. Spend time thinking about all the things you do well and the things that have gone well for you. Look for things ...

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. This is a time for reflecting on those women who have stood for change to create a better life for all, and who we recall in our hearts as courageous and strong. We also reflect on the women in our own lives, and search for ways to express the strength and wisdom of those before us, as well as contemporary women. Here are some of my favorite quotes by famous women to celebrate ...