Bob Brooke Communications

03/30/2026

As a non-fiction writer, I was often faced with saying yes to assignments or projects when I knew that I didn't have enough time because of the work I already had in progress. But what if I had said no and soon I might not have had any new work--or the work I might have gotten might not have paid enough. This dilemma plaques a lot of writers, especially those just starting out. This article lays it all out.

Deanna Martinez-Bey breaks down the power of saying no to increase productivity and reclaim mental space as a writer.

03/07/2026

For a writer, is a lifeline. But only if you work it right. One of the ways to attract viewers is by following and writing about trends related to your writing. Recently, I posted a blog on on my page, AntiquesQ&A. Today, the number of viewers reached over 14,000 in just one day, based on the interest in curling generated by the recent in . If you're promoting a book, don't just pitch it for sales but use the subject of the book to gain viewers to your social media pages.

01/01/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Along with the start of a new year come new beginnings. And what better place to begin than with . Over the past 10 years, I've developed a solid following on social media which has allowed more readers to view my work. You can, too. This article offers some positive suggestions on how to handle social media. And in the next few weeks, I'll be posting some of my own suggestions to make your social media journey a success.

Even without social media, most writers compare themselves to others. Deanna Martinez-Bey shares strategies for managing the comparison trap.

12/25/2025

12/15/2025

I've been posting a about and on (It's free) for the past 16 years. In that time, it has received 1.6 million views! If you're thinking about writing a blog, you don't have to have special software or even a Web page to be successful. It just takes planning, plus lots of patience and effort to make it successful. It also takes time. Check out my blog today.

A highly successful antiques blog with a question and answer format.

07/31/2025

Serious writing isn't a shared experience. While you don't need to go off to a cabin in the woods, it's important to close the door and tell your family you don't want to be disturbed. Because writing isn't a physical activity, most people don't understand that the work involved is mental.

Author Tiffany Jenkins shares five essential reasons why writers need privacy to truly be successful with their writing goals.

02/24/2025

is a balancing act. You've got to approach as a or you're sure to fail. And businesses keep regular hours and establish a for everyday work. Mine were 9 to 5. After 5 PM my time was my own. I followed these 10 tips for maintaining that balance.

Author Deanna Martinez-Bey discusses self-care for writers, specifically on balancing productivity with mental well-being. Includes 10 practical self-care tips to help writers stay refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle their next masterpiece.

12/19/2024

I started my career six years before my first article was published. While working a full-time teaching job, I wrote on Sunday afternoons and early evenings during the week. This continued for 10 more years before I finally took the leap to full-time freelancing. Nothing in writing happens quickly. In this case patience was definitely a virtue.

Author and editor Caroline Wolff shares her top five tips on pursuing your writing while holding down a 9-to-5 job.

06/28/2024

This list contains things writers should never do. And based on my 40+ years writing, they're spot on.

Former Writer's Digest managing editor Zachary Petit shares his list of 15 things a writer should never do, based on interviews with successful authors as well as his own occasional literary forays and flails.

06/20/2024

The reader is the most important member of the writing process. It doesn't matter what you have to say. It only matters that it engages the reader---in this case an editor.

Editor and publisher Marc Berley shares how to make your writing stand out to an editor.