A blog where Arizona authors share advice, adventures, and inspiration.
You’ve finished your first draft … now what?
By Derek Barton
You want to self-publish your novel, but you don’t know where to start. Read on for tips to help you move forward with editing, pricing, artwork, and sales.
Tumbleweeds, epic journeys & horror
By Phoenix Oasis Press
The ‘Meet AZ Writer’ series spotlights writers who live in Arizona or have a strong connection to the area. Meet AZ horror novelist Derek Barton.
The power of music: Ryan Breen
Ryan Breen writes music, lyrics, and a gratitude journal. Learn about his journey, what inspires him to write, and his upcoming release “Vapid Mansion.”
How to navigate reader feedback
Asking for and navigating reader feedback is tricky. Leslie Cox shares her experiences with various critique formats and offers tips to get started.
Build your support community
Writing feels less like a solitary sport when you’ve got a strong community waiting in the wings. Mary Cornelius shares how to build yours.
Creative freedom and constraints
Leslie Cox shares how writing constraints can help you narrow your focus, write clearly, and free your imagination.
Romance, parrots, and big decisions
AZ romance novelist Megan Crawford quit her corporate job to write full-time. She dishes on how it’s going.
How to get out of your own way
Felicia Penza shares ways to free your mind from being blocked, overbooked, or overthinking. Tips and a playlist, included!
Beginnings are everywhere
Beginnings are all around us. Sue Fulton writes about how one creative beginning led to another, and another, until Phoenix Oasis Press was born.
Looking back at Leaping Forward
Read on for a recap of our February retreat, Leap Forward Into Writing. We’re hosting it again later this fall – with a few tweaks and surprises.
Self-editing for authors
You’ve written your first draft of a short story, novella, or novel. The common advice: rewrite the second draft to make it better. Donna Parker’s 12 tips can help you get started.
Be featured on POP’s blog
You have something to write about writing. We’re here to help you reach an audience that would love to hear your words. Read on for how to submit.

