Joni B. ColeJoni B. Cole

Joni B. Cole is the author of seven books, including the new release Party Like It’s 2044: Finding the Funny in Life and Death; Good Naked: How to Write More, Write Better, and Be Happier; and Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive. For twenty-five years, she has taught creative writing to adults through her own Writer’s Center, as well as at academic programs and conferences around the country. She also runs the Good Naked Weekend Write-Away in White River Junction, Vermont. Find her at: www.jonibcole.com or www.thewriterscenterwrj.com
What to Expect When You’re Expecting a Parade
Image: a marching band in colorful costumes walks down an urban street, with blue and white bunting strung above.
All hail the newly published author—or not. When your book’s released but there’s no parade or marching band, here are ...
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/ Getting Published, Guest Post
Finding the Funny: 8 Tips on Writing Humor
Image: a clenched hand with two googly eyed applied, to resemble a face.
This author didn’t think of herself as a humor writer until her readers told her otherwise, so she dug into ...
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/ Guest Post, Improve Your Writing
When Your Publisher Gets the Cover Wrong—Very Wrong
Image: on a red tabletop are two cinnamon rolls side by side, each topped with white icing and a sliced maraschino cherry, suggestively resembling a pair of breasts.
If your publisher’s suggested cover design feels wrong, put your foot down when necessary but also listen—really listen—to the professionals ...
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/ Getting Published, Guest Post
You Have a Great Idea for a Story. Where Do You Start?
Image: Woman hitchhiker in bohemian clothing, walking along a dirt road and holding a handmade cardboard sign reading "Anywhere!"
Some writers struggle with ever getting one word of their Great Idea down on the page, for fear of crafting ...
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/ Guest Post, Improve Your Writing
When Is It Smart to Submit Your Work to a University Press? (You’d Be Surprised!)
Elise McHugh & Stephen Hull of UNM Press
When a Vermont author’s book was accepted by a New Mexico university press, she decided to ask its editors about ...
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/ Guest Post, Small and Independent Publishers
Don’t Fall for These 5 Writing Myths That Can Set Back Your Writing
Image: a green neon sign reading "It's all in your head" is mounted on a metal mesh frame against a brick wall.
As writers, we often cling to certain myths that suck up emotional energy and reinforce practices that undermine the creative ...
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/ Guest Post, Improve Your Writing