I didn't expect what I found in that email

A moment of truth, a twist in my plans, and a writing challenge you'll want to try.

When I opened the email, I thought I’d feel accomplished. What I felt instead caught me off guard—and taught me something important.

In this week's Shining Beacon, I'm guiding you through the storms of

• not reaching your goals (for editors and authors)

• knowing when and when not to follow common writing advice (for authors)

and announcing my upcoming editing …