Mary Brotherton

Archive for the ‘Help’ Category

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what does this photograph reveal? Initially, it shows the faces of five clowns, seated with what an observer might assume are other gleemen standing behind and perhaps in front of those faces. Maybe these five were part of a larger photo, but were cropped out for some [...]

How many novels have you read with characters whose names annoy you? Maybe they remind you of someone in your office or share the same name as your ex. Perhaps the name is bothersome because you’ve seen it in so many other stories. It can be confusing for a writer with a new story; you [...]

Neither book is new, by any means, but both bear a little attention, in my opinion. The first is a book by H.V. Rhodes, called The Brain Dead Manager . If you hate your job or think you work for an idiot, this book was written for you! With humorous insights such as, “Establish a [...]

@import url(‘http://css.helium.com/css/widget.css’); HeliumCurbing family spending for Christmas in favor of emotional wellbeing

My publisher attended the 2009 North American Mature Publishers Association Conference and brought home great news. Senior Life garnered even more awards this year than last year, including the coveted BEST OF SHOW. There are four categories, based on circulation. Senior Life is in the second highest circulation bracket. Five writers were individually selected for [...]

My article has been bumped from it’s top position. I managed to stay #1 for a few weeks, but someone outranks me now. Others have given three other entries higher marks than mine. If you click on the title link, you’ll still see my work. @import url(‘http://css.helium.com/css/widget.css’); HeliumHow to avoid spending too much on Christmas [...]

Everyone has to deal with emotions. Sometimes, these feelings can cripple or motivate a writer. The next time you feel bogged down in despair, anger, or frustration – write what you are feeling! If you are overcome with happiness or giddy with excitement, take time to write about your thoughts and dreams. Even if you [...]

Often, unpublished writers don’t finish their work or even start to tell the stories they have because they believe they can’t possibly be good enough to compete with the other writers who are already published. This may be true, but unless they complete their work, no one will ever know. “I’m not good enough” and [...]

Many new writers feel there is no hope for them and they’ll provide a multitude of excuses why they can’t or shouldn’t complete their first novel, short story, memoir or article. Stop making excuses and start writing. Everyone has a story to tell and although not everyone can tell a story like O. Henry or [...]