Pen Names: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Hello, SE readers! Mae with you today. If you’re a writer, at some point or another, you’ve probably considered using a pen name. Authors use pen names for various reasons ranging from privacy, to branding, to multi-genre writing. Privacy is huge, especially in an online world where self-promotion is all but mandatory. I admit I’ve …

Writing: There is no one size fits all

Hi, SEers! You’re with Mae today for the first Mae Day of June. Summer is the time when I’m the least productive as a writer. I think that’s true of many of us as we become distracted by nice weather and outside activities. The again, maybe you’re highly prolific during the summer. If so, good …

Room for Both: ebooks and Print Books

Hi, SEers! It's another Mae Day in May 🙂 Back in the late 1970s, Miller introduced their lite beer with a series of commercials dividing fans into two camps. One side championed “tastes great.” The other side loved it because it was “less filling.” The ads featured a roster of athletes and celebrities, done with …

Finding a Critique Partner

Hi, SEers. You're with Mae today with a subject that's been discussed before. Even so, I hope this post brings something new to the table, as the subject is one I feel strongly about. Critique partners are different than beta readers, and both have value. Some writers use both, but most use one or the …

No Pen, Will Travel

Hello SEers! Mae here to chat about what else—writing. We all have our favorite spots for composing. Mine include my den (especially in the winter because it has an electric fireplace), and sitting outside on the covered patio in warm weather. Occasionally, I might camp out at the kitchen table with my Mac or pack …