Hi
I’m revamping my blog, The Write Spot. I plan to eliminate Book Reviews and Places to Submit. Instead, I will post book reviews in this monthly newsletter. See below for review of “Sticky Notes” by Matt Eicheldinger.
Be cautious . . .
I’m embarrassed to admit I fell for a scam. I didn’t lose money, but almost did. I received an email from someone who offered to help with marketing. Her email had so much detail, it sounded like she read “The Write Spot: Writing as a Path to Healing.” She offered what sounded like a solid marketing plan. For a fee, of course.
Fortunately, I asked a wise person, who said, “It’s a scam. It’s AI generated.”
Wow. Fooled me. And taught me a lesson. Don’t be swayed by phrases that feed the writer’s ego, like:
“This is the kind of book that doesn’t just inspire writing, it gently guides readers into emotional clarity, courage, and self-forgiveness. It’s rare to find a writing resource that functions as both a craft guide and a healing companion. You’ve created something deeply meaningful.”
Yeah, felt good to hear that praise. Too bad it wasn’t from a real person.
More about AI on Jane Friedman’s Blog Post:
“How Creativity Survives in an AI Monoculture” by Nadim Sadek, September 23, 2025
Publish
Are you ready to publish, but not sure whether to self-publish or use hybrid publishing? Jane Friedman will lead a workshop on October 16.
Hybrid Publishing Versus Self-Publishing with Jane Friedman
Hosted by Writer's Digest: Jane will cover everything you need to know about self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and paid services.
Writing Workshop
Rebecca Evans hosts a Free Writing Workshop October 26 on Zoom.
“We’ll explore creative angles through the use of interrogation and inquiry both as an artist and within our art.”
Register with EventBrite.
Rebecca Evans writes the difficult, the heart-full, and guidebooks for survivors.
Dan Blank Substack
I am currently enjoying Dan Blank’s Substack posts about writing. His easy-to-read posts are informative and sprinkled with great humor.
His posts contain gems like these:
“Constantly challenging assumptions about what a story is, what facts are, and when you ‘have it’ enough to publish.” — Sept 26, “The magic of the printed word, A meditation on writing, sharing, and remembering.”
“You may find that when your book is published, these people are supportive, but you have skipped the work of understanding who (and where) your ideal readers are, how to effectively communicate with them, how to encourage them to actually buy and read your book.” — Sept 12, “The Successful Writer Mindset To reach your readers, mindset matters more than strategies or tactics.”
Inspirational Podcast
Story Telling at its best:
You might enjoy a fun, upbeat, and inspirational! podcast featuring my son Rob and his daughter Vivien sharing their life-changing adventure when they traveled to Uganda with their Rotary Group: Episode 3: The Cullens!
It's one hour and forty minutes ~ So, maybe listen while walking, working in the yard, cleaning house, cooking, or just relaxing in your comfy spot.
Book Review
“Sticky Notes, Memorable Lessons From Ordinary Moments” by Matt Eicheldinger is a treasure chest filled with tiny stories that uplift, inform, and enlighten.
Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.”
Matt is both a helper and a present-day Mr. Rogers.
“Sticky Notes” is a gift that can be enjoyed over and over again.
Just Write!
Marlene
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