Designing a book cover requires inspiration from the book and author’s intentions. It’s an experience that allows creative minds to tap into their imaginative sides. But where to start? Book designer Jesse Baker shares her tips to get the process moving forward.

I’ve spent a lot of time staring - at blank pages, into space, at my very odd neighbors. When it comes to writing, though, I finally started to master a few tricks to get my pen wiggling in a way that makes real words appear. It’s never perfect, but it’s something. At the beginning, we need something. I hope these tips help you get something, too.

I had been given an Airbnb birthday experience that included a talk about the history of burlesque, backstage to meet the entertainers, and the show itself. I learned some important lessons about writing from burlesque.

I recently escaped winter with a trip to Matlacha, Florida. Two weeks gazing out at the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by mangroves, herons and more pelicans than I have ever seen in my life. But strangely I did not feel like a Fearless Firestarter, but more like a Walking Stereotype. Florida. Grandma. Northerner. Snowbird.

There is something about a pause -- especially the Great Pause -- that makes us realize what we have and have not accomplished in our lives. One thing I hear often is: "I've always wanted to write a book."

This is a really unusual picture of my Dad. It's the only one I have of him smiling. Cameras always caught him with a scowl on his face, which was strange since he was a man who was generous with laughter. But get a camera near that guy, and you would have thought he was Mr. Grouchy personified.

There are few places I rather be than in a movie theater. I can still remember going to double features for 50 cents when I was a little kid visiting my grandparents in Miami Beach. Oh, I loved my Bubbe and Zayde dearly, but it was the movies and candy-covered speckled malted milk balls that were the real summer draw.

Dolly Parton has been on my must-see list for a long time. So as I impatiently count the hours, I'm distracting myself by reflecting on how Dolly Parton has made me a writer.

After five days of trying to capture any likeness of a tree, I have to admit that I am a bit discouraged. I can see it, feel it and almost taste it. But I can't paint it. Yet.

I had 22 days left before I turned over an 80,000 word manuscript to my publisher, Prometheus Press. Soon millions of people throughout the known universe would be reading Firestarters: How Innovators, Instigators and Initiators Can Inspire You to Ignite Your Own Life.