Hello fellow writers. You know what time of year it is? Writer stock-up time. Of course, you might know it as "Back to School" days. But nobody said you had to be a child to purchase school supplies.

What kind of deals can you find? Well, I'm not a person who goes from store to store, so I can't give you any specific comparisons. I can tell you that I purchased college-ruled notebooks for 5 cents a piece from Wal-Mart over the weekend. And that was on the fly. I plan on taking more time to look around on my next shopping trip. I'm sure I'll find some nifty pens and folders to go along with my notebooks.

And why buy notebooks if you strictly create on a computer? For one thing, you can organize ideas in a notebook. I know one author who, when writing a novel, jots down notes on each chapter to remember plot points and summarize the action. Good idea!

Also, if you do write by computer alone, I'd suggest changing things up a bit. Try writing by hand, particularly if you're in a slump or suffering from writer's block. 

You know, the kids shouldn't be the only ones starting something new. Now is a great time to start that new story, article, poem, novel.   

 

Put down those barbeque tongs! We interrupt your summer to announce that past President of the Missouri Writers’ Guild Margo Dill Balinski will be guest blogging at Scribes' Tribe Scribblings this week--my critique group's website.

Margo (writing as Margo L. Dill) is a freelance writer, children’s author, and elementary school teacher, living in Mahomet, Illinois. Her work has appeared in publications such as On the Line, Grit, Pockets, Missouri Life, ByLine Magazine, and The News-Gazette. Her first book, a middle-grade historical novel, will be published by White Mane Kids in 2009. She is a regular columnist for the online magazine, WOW! Women On Writing. And we’re fortunate to call her a friend, but I don’t think that counts as a credential.

Margo’s guest blogging schedule follows:

Monday, July 14th–Freelance 101: How to Make Some Money Doing What You Love: Margo blogs about freelance opportunities to explore, how to manage your time, and get paid for writing.

Wednesday, July 16th–When Your Dream Comes True: Getting a Book Published: Margo will share with you her experiences of getting a children’s novel published by an independent publisher.

Friday, July 18th–National Networking: How to Meet and Greet Writers from all over the country: Margo will discuss joining and being involved with national and state writing organizations and how to get the most for your money.

As a special added incentive, those who ask a question or post a comment will get their names put into a hat for a drawing for a free 10-page double-spaced critique from Editor 9-1-1--Margo’s editing service.

So, make sure you get a front-row seat!