Writing Tips

2007: The sum total of our possessions: three kids and 11 bags (not all pictured.)

Live Your Dream in a Material World

One of my most popular articles. In 2007 my husband and I sold our lovely home on beautiful Waiheke Island, New Zealand, in order to finance a trip to

5 Instructions For Better Writing and Living

From Anne Lamott’s book, Bird by Bird. It will do more than just help you improve your writing skills. Read this book for the brilliant writing and intimate stories it tells. Will also appeal to readers who like life development or self help books and memoirs.

If I Were A Geek, Just For a Day

During the 13 years I’ve been working on computers, designing websites, and studying online marketing, there have been times of frustration

Hang out with people who motivate and inspire you. Nippers train together at an Australian Surf Life Saving Club.

Self-Motivation and Co-Motivation

I’ve discovered that things like stopping smoking are much easier when you have a friend to give up with. When you’re finding it hard, you can call on your

Visitor Stats for April, May, June 2009: Definite Upward Trend

Blogging Away With Growing Success

Writing a blog’s an up and down thing. One day I love it, then the next day I wonder why I bother at all.

Writer’s Rite of Passage: Rejection Slips

What a great rejection slip. Notice that the editor didn’t say anything like “get lost loser and stop bothering me.”

Our Wheels in Costa Rica: not flash but they went round

What Can You Give Up To Live Your Dream?

Find out what we gave up to live our dream of moving to Central America. Could you do it?

Maintain Motivation: Celebrate Your Successes

Why you should Stop, Take Stock and Congratulate Yourself.

Search Engine Terms for Blogging

This is funny! Some people have found this site by typing totally ludicrous and, in some cases, inappropriate phrases into the search engines. It goes to show

The Joy of Text

As well as writing, reading is essential for any writer. I’ve always loved reading and I’ve managed to instill that love of books into my three children. Not that I really tried, it’s more a case of when in doubt, read a book

Why I'll Always Backup My Work From Now On

Last week I got robbed and stranded at the beach wearing only a bikini a couple of sizes too small, then this week my computer died. Funny story where I learn

Give Fear the Finger, and Live the Life You Want

There’s one major hurdle that stops us from achieving our dreams. Fear. In particular, the fear of failure. Jump on the In the Hot Spot bandwagon and get rid of your fears so you can start living the life you want.