Janet Boyer's Blog

In this post, 111 Quotes for Writers, I���ve culled encouraging, motivating, inspiring and instructional passages from over 100 authors, all from source material; that is, print books, magazines and eBooks (not copy and pasted from online). While there are a dozen or two pithy quotes here, most passages are around 60-100 words���meaty chunks for you to contemplate and apply to your writing life.

Most of the quotes below address the nuts-and-bolts of writing life, both non-fiction and fiction...

I'm thrilled to have the talented suspense writer Jenny Milchman share Why She Writes! I don't know anyone more dedicated to books and helping fellow authors than Jenny. And she writes darn good books, too!

I write because the stories are a whitewater river that sweeps me away.

I write because I always have, from before I knew how to, when Id dictate bedtime stories to my mom, and she would copy them down.

So maybe its not just writing were talking aboutits storytelling.

I tell stories to le...

I'm super excited that the very first contributor to the Writespiration Why We Write section is none other than S.G. Browne. ::insert screaming crowd::

I've only read Breathers (OMG, best zombie novel EVAR), but we own everything S.G. has ever written (and hubby has read, and loves, them ALL). In fact, he just finished Less Than Herojust today (see cheesy pic at bottom).

Once I get my 3rd Tarot book written, I'm starting onFated (Ron's always bugging me "Have you read it yet? Have you read it...

Im pleased to present another new feature on Writespiration: Why We Write.

Inspired by the book of the same name (have it, love it), I realized that many writers often stop and ask themselves Why do I write? Lets face it: hundreds of jobs are oh-so-much easier than writing.

This question usually surfaces during times of discouragement or wearinessor after some type of criticism or (perceived) rejection.

Lately, Ive been asking myself the same question.

A lot.

Not only is it beneficial to ask...

Welcome to the August 2015 edition of WriterScopes! To find out how this works, feel free to check out my introductory post here. Or, just locate your Zodiac sign based on your birthday--and read on! Images are from the Snowland Deck, created by moi and my artist husband, Ron. You can get your very own set of creativity cards at SnowlandDeck.com.

Aries: March 21- April 19 (Magician) Fiery Aries, this card encourages you to recognize and utilize all writerly tools at your disposal. Now is no...

Never saw this painting technique--until tonight. Beautiful!

Welcome to Charming Stories, a new feature on Writespiration! Please read this post before participating in the comments section. I'd love to read your additions, but it's important for you to understand what we're doing--and how--first. Thanks!

The first part of the story, in purple, was written by me. I drew the Math Book charm. The second part of the story, in green, was written by Ron Boyer. He drew the Hummingbird charm. The third part of the story, in orange, was written by Noah Boyer....

There's something lusciously creative about picking a random charm (like the ones in our Charming Oracle) or card (Tarot or oracle)--and then writing an impromptu story or poem based on it.

Arguably even more fun is having people build onto a story with their own randomly chosen charm or card!

So I've decided to start Charming Stories, a running feature on the Writespiration blog that will feature the beginnings of a story--and YOU will add to it! No word limit on your entries, which can be b...

If the name Mary Anne Radmacher isn't familiar to you, I guarantee that her words and art probably are.

This soulful artist and scribe has written and designed famous quotes like:

Courage doesn't alwaysroar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.

And

Leanforward into your life. Begin each day as if it were on purpose.

And

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen Hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no...

I have an African Violet plant that hasn't flowered for years.

Despite good care, the plant only grew lush, fuzzy green leaves.

Until now.

Three purple blossoms with bright yellow centers bloomed on top the plant. Six more await unfurlment.

What happened?

I moved the plant a mere 25 feet, from a northerly window indirect sun to an easterly window with a few hours of direct sunlight.

In our writing life, sometimes we need to change locations in order to blossom.

This could mean changing our...