It’s been quite the summer, hasn’t it? But Labor Day’s right around the corner. It’s time to shake the sand out of your books and brains and hunker down for some serious, labor-intensive writing.

On the other hand, there’s no reason why we can’t have a little fun along the way. I mean, all work and no play makes Cathy C. Hall a whiny (not to mention, annoying) writer. Winning contests makes Cathy C. Hall a happy (not to mention, richer) writer.

That’s why I always check out the Writer Mama Back-to-School Giveaway. Thirty days of giving away thirty books. Good, old Christina Katz (and she knows I mean that in a lovely way!) has rounded up some great stuff to pump up your writing. And all you have to do to win is comment on her blog. Easy-weezy.

And then, while cleaning out the old Inbox today, I found an email re: Fanstory. Technically, I find emails about Fanstory alot. But today, I actually read a little something something about this site. And I thought that for writers who might need a little extra incentive, Fanstory could be just the ticket.

You have to join to participate in the contests, but you can try them out with a free trial membership. And then you can get involved in all sorts of fun stuff going on over there. Here’s the thing: financially investing in yourself, whether it’s a class, a conference, an organization, or a site like Fanstory, says you’re making a committment. A committed writer will become a better writer. Guaranteed.

Now, put your little floaties away till next summer and pump up your writing instead!