Write Now Coach! Blog by Rochelle Melander

Writers, guess what? A new study suggests that the sedentary work life leads to obesity. Yup. A new study reports that 80 percent of today’s jobs require little or no physical activity, up from 50 percent in 1960. Because we sit at work, we are not burning 120-140 calories a... Read More

25 May 2011

Book Reviews, Writing Books

Book Review: Six-Figure Freelancing

Are you thinking about starting a freelance writing business? Do you write and submit regularly but barely make enough money to buy toothpaste for your family? You need Kelly James-Enger’s book Six Figure Freelancing: The Writer’s Guide to Making More Money. In the book, James-Enger offers solid advice to help writers... Read More

19 May 2011

Productivity

How Writers Wait

Earlier this month, I traveled to Texas to meet with coaching clients. As travel days go, I expected a fairly easy one. I’d hop on the plane just after 11 AM and arrive in Texas at 2:00 PM. Shortly after getting on the plane, the captain told us that there... Read More

18 May 2011

Journaling, Setting, Wednesday Writing Prompt

Wednesday Writing Prompt: The Power of Place by Rochelle Melander

As a reader, I often get bored by long descriptions of place. After pages of flowery language about the shape of the topography or the decorative style of a house, I will scream at my book: enough already! Still, in the best novels, the setting supports the story in an... Read More

13 May 2011

Author Event

Author Event: Geraldine Brooks

Since I moved to Milwaukee in 1995, I’ve seen dozens of authors speak at local bookstores about their work. When people ask me how to learn more about writing and publishing without having to spend a lot of money, I encourage them to do two things: read and attend author... Read More

12 May 2011

Book Reviews, Nonfiction Books

Book Review: Walking for Health

I’ve had The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Walking for Health by Erika Peters on my shelf for two years and just opened it this week. I’m an avid walker and did not think I needed to read a book on the topic. My bad. After just a quick dip into... Read More

11 May 2011

Journaling

Wednesday Writing Prompt: Take a Hike! by Rochelle Melander

I often take a camera with me when I walk. In my neighborhood, I never know when I might run into something fun to photograph—like this toilet or the mommy and baby ducks I posted yesterday. Later, the photos become fodder for writing. YOUR Turn! Take a walk with your... Read More

09 May 2011

Contests, Writing Process

Walking and Writing by Rochelle Melander

For me, poetry is related to walking. Words and images fill me when I wander somewhere alone. Writer Bruce Chatwin lived with nomads and believed inspiration, as well as true rest, could best be found in motion. Sometimes I wish I could walk forever, jotting down notes and words. —Susan... Read More