Susan Foster, Author

(An image from the author's photo album, taken years ago by a bystander.) The purpose of including this photo here will be obvious in a few paragraphs. The privilege of writing and speaking freely. I spend considerable time writing, mostly on a novel I am trying to finish. Of late, however, I have agonized over whether I should share certain thoughts–on social media, within the pages of my novel's manuscript, and even with some of my friends. There is never a justification for hateful rhetoric or harmful statements, but everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, I'm usually hesitant to voice what I think and, the reason why frightens me. The United States election looms less than a week from now and tensions are high. People are passionate about their views and anxious about what will happen, as am I. This post is not intended to pick a fight, but to air something that has been bothering me. To write an excellent story, the author must raise the stakes. This election has

(Image by Susan Foster) If, like me, you are immersed in the process of writing a novel, I have a few suggestions that may help you as much as they've helped me. Don't Do This Alone When I first began writing a novel, it was a solitary process.  Just me, some craft books to study,  a jumble of online courses, podcasts, and author newsletters. (More on those in a bit.) Fortunately, in the time since I began, my support system has grown immensely, largely as a result of my joining the Women's Fiction Writer's Association .  Tip #1. Join a Writing Association I've praised the Women's Fiction Writer's Association in the past, and now I'm going to do it again. The membership fee is very reasonable and has been the most worthwhile investment I've made on my path towards becoming a novelist. Here are just a few of the benefits I've enjoyed since joining: Zoom Write-In Dates (Accountability and I've made good friends here)   A huge number of webinar

350+ Women's Fiction writers in one space generate a dazzling amount of creative energy. (Image by Susan Foster) I just returned to Montana from the  WFWA 10th Anniversary Conference in Chicago . I'm still in awe of all that I learned and all of the wonderful women that I met. WFWA At the beginning of January 2022, I joined the  Women's Fiction Writer's Association  (WFWA). It was unquestionably the best thing I have done for myself as a writer.  "WFWA is a diverse international community of aspiring, debut, and multi-published authors." WHAT IS WOMEN'S FICTION? To answer this question, I'll share parts of the definition provided on the WFWA website:  Women's Fiction stories are  " layered stories in which the plot is driven by the main character’s emotional journey."   They   may have elements of romance, mystery, thriller, or other subgenres; and can be contemporary or historical; commercial, upmarket, or literary fiction but "...

(Image by Susan Foster) We usually think of writer's block as a situation when the writer just can't come up with anything to write. But that's not always what's going on. A lack of ideas is not always what stops a writer from writing. The ideas can be flowing, but efficiency and confidence  are not. Many factors can get in the way of creativity, and I suspect many writers and bloggers have the same problems I've experienced. Five Reasons for Writer's Block and How to Overcome It What Can Block a Writer's Productivity? Many factors influence the craft of writing. Here are five obstacles that like many writers, I've encountered: 1.  Being pulled in many directions Life can be pretty distracting. Daily life responsibilities and even blogging tasks can slow down the process of creating. For example, instead of writing my novel recently, I have been: working on improving the layout of this website.  troubleshooting an issue with the delivery of this blog'

(Image by Susan Foster) When my insecurities woke me up one night, I wrote them down... A Writer's Doubts. Are the hours I sit in my chair in front of my computer time well spent? Should I be doing something else instead? Hours go by, and all I do is write. Is this a worthwhile effort?  Should I be doing something else? Do other writers feel the way I do? Do they have feelings of uncertainty and doubt, as they write the minutes of their lives away? Are the words that spray out from my pen ever any good? Are the thoughts I share just commonplace or are they brilliant news? Do people read my work because it draws them in? Or do they read only out of loyalty to me or, worse yet, obligation? Have other writers found my work because it’s too good not to read,  or simply because I left a comment on one of their own stories and they want to return the favor? What would I be doing if I wasn’t writing? Should I be spending such vast quantities of time on this? Perhaps these questions are of

(Image by Susan Foster) Winter sometimes seems to drag on forever in Montana - especially if one is not involved in winter sports. This year is no exception. Normally, our winters are filled will lots of blue skies and sunny days. But this year we've had more of our share of grey.  The upside of all this is that it's not as tempting to be outside and allows for more writing to get done. What season makes it easiest for you to write or accomplish tasks without outside distractions?

(Image by Susan Foster) How I Decided to Pursue My Passion for Writing. I wrote this article during my very first freelancing gig, and while I hope my writing skills have improved since then, many of the reasons I began writing still apply today.  Do you write? If so, why? ###     Why Do I Want to Write?  by  Susan Foster  published on  Yahoo Contributor Network  on Dec 4, 2013 I am a nurse, wife, and mother who, - until a decade ago - never gave being an author even a thought. I was content with my days full of work, volunteering, and family. I never even acknowledged that writing was a skill I was proficient at and enjoyed. Recently though, I have spent time wondering if I should commit more effort to writing. But why? I never really have written much. I excelled in my English classes and always did well on written assignments. I enjoy the process of writing, but I am not the type of person who keeps a daily journal or even writes with any regularity. In fact, I have always found muc