Category Archives: Self Publishing

by | August 13, 2025 · 5:29 pm

How to Write a Blog

We called this boat henge, along the Missouri River–made me smile

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps nonfiction authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Let’s get in touch.

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So, how do you start? Write something. Toss in some photos. Dip your toes into the blogging world. Find a place to put your writing up on the internet. Tell your friends. Blogs are meant to be shared, not kept secret.

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by | July 22, 2025 · 5:34 pm

First-time Author’s Musings

Guest post!

Lesia A Alexander is a published author and a poet who brings her unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and storytelling to her writing. As a first-time author, she shares her journey of self-discovery and exploration in her work, reflecting on the human/animal experience and our connection to the natural world. With her debut book and other written works, Lesia inspires readers to cultivate awareness, compassion, and a deeper sense of connection.

Writing a book for the first time is not for the impatient or those wishing for exact and predictable outcomes. One of the common metaphors applied to the process of writing a book is that of carrying and birthing a child. That makes plenty of sense, but I also see that writing a book is like raising a child. No one can prepare you for the process, and you never know how they will turn out. And like raising a child, it’s a massive learning curve.

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by | July 17, 2025 · 5:39 pm

Reluctant writers

A boat might help…

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps nonfiction authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Let’s get in touch.

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I was a very reluctant writer. Formal writing requests were unwelcome, since I sensed that critical parent at my shoulder admonishing me. “That’s terrible grammar,” the voice in my imagination scolded. “That’s really stupid, no one will want to read this,” was another message lurking in my brain. Or that motivation-killing script? “You really do not have anything important to say.” Does any of this sound familiar?

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by | July 10, 2025 · 5:35 pm

Are you sure you’re not a writer?

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Let’s get in touch.

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Have you ever said, “I can’t write.”? Maybe you have insisted, “I’m not a good writer.” Or, God forbid, someone has told you, “You can’t write.” If this sounds familiar, I have some good news. Writing (and drawing, painting, and so many other creative endeavors) are not gifts. They’re skills that can be improved with practice.

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by | April 21, 2025 · 3:56 pm

Being Curious

So much to discover…

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to get in touch.

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You’ve likely heard it before: Follow your passion. It’s often framed as, “Follow your passion and good things will follow,” with the not-too-subtle implication that your passion will result in prosperity. I have always felt skeptical about this, since I’ve witnessed many frustrated folks who “followed their passion” only to discover that what they loved offered no particular value to anyone else.

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by | March 21, 2025 · 3:06 pm

Meltdowns and hissy fits

Looking for a light at the end of the tunnel

Want to get the scoop on self-publishing basics? Self-publishing 101

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

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Have you ever made a decision, then wondered why you ever thought it was a good idea? These days I help professionals who want to share in writing their skills and life lessons learned, then turn that writing into a self-published book. There was a time, however, when I needed all the help I could get.

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by | March 6, 2025 · 11:56 am

A word about words

Mountain laurels in early summer

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

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Have you noticed when an author has used lots of different words? Hmmm, maybe you didn’t notice. Most likely it simply sounded interesting, and the writing felt like it moved along at a good pace. Maybe you noticed that the author noticed everything in their path. Say they are walking along a city street. They notice this, then draw your attention to the cracks in the sidewalk. Then they say, “Hey, I just noticed that the traffic is slowing down.”

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by | February 20, 2025 · 2:14 pm

You can edit your own writing. Sort of….

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

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Or perhaps you simply need to post your work elsewhere…

Yes, you can edit your own writing. But should you? Well, sure. In fact, you really do need to edit your own writing. Raw writing is almost never the best you can produce. The very least you can do is take a good look after the flame of writing has died down a little.

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by | January 20, 2025 · 5:13 pm

How to start a writing group

Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Link to all Marjorie’s books.

LISTEN:

Group photo from a recent gathering

You’ve thought of joining a writing group. Maybe someone has told you to join a writing group. Perhaps you have heard about how cut throat writing groups (sometimes called critique groups), can be. You have avoided going to a writing group.

But… that book you read where the author talks about how helpful the members of her writing group have been. Those writing conferences that people rave about (and pay good money to attend.)

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by | January 8, 2025 · 3:12 pm

Crest fallen, or Learning how to write after teaching it for 40 years

Guest post: Em Turner Chitty previously published this article on her Substack

I taught English language and writing for many years, edited (and graded) thousands of essays, raged at the inadequacy of the way we are taught to teach it, and now for the first time in my life am dipping my toes into the waters of actual writing every day for myself, maybe for a few others. And I’m finding it way more difficult, and myself feeling more vulnerable, than I ever expected the experience to be.

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