“Clouds in my heart” — another memoir chapter excerpt

man wearing gray blazer

Hey! You might remember exactly a month ago today, I posted about attending my first synchronous online memoir writing course, lasting eight weekly sessions. No? Well, please do check out that post. Then, what I'm sharing below will be more meaningful, when you return here to read it. You see, for this course that I'm … Continue reading “Clouds in my heart” — another memoir chapter excerpt

My first synchronous online memoir writing course

photo of boy wearing yellow shirt while using an imac

Shhhh....can you keep a secret? You can? Great! Here it is. I've finally signed up for a full-fledged memoir writing course! Granted this memoir course was completely online, but it's done synchronously every week for eight weeks. And that for me, is a first. I know I know. As my faithful blog follower (errr...you are, … Continue reading My first synchronous online memoir writing course

Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #4 — “Little Stories of Your Life”

I was planning to post the 4th installment of this mini-series -- on how to write unceasingly -- next month. But I just couldn't wait! You see, I believe what I'm about to share is the culmination of all the "how-to's" about attention collectibles I've been sharing since the start of the series. And wouldn't … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #4 — “Little Stories of Your Life”

Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #3 – Writing course resources

confident elegant lady in eyeglasses hosting webinar

Two months ago, I began this mini-series on what attention collectibles are and how they offer a constant source of ideas to help writers write well on a regular basis. This was followed by the second piece last month that named one "bucket" of attention collectibles I use regularly. [Do check out both posts if … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #3 – Writing course resources

Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #2 – Reading Resources

A couple of weeks ago I started this mini-series to share what I call "attention collectibles" for reading and writing. These are any and everything we tuck away in a safe place to reference when writing. Like a "creative well" that never runs out. A lifeline for dry spells or the dreaded writer's block. And … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #2 – Reading Resources

Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #1 — Intro

composition of dried plants

For the longest time, I've blogged about how paying attention to the small things in life is what truly matters. Especially when it comes to novelists and memoirists. In fact, pretty much all kinds of writers. Now I've learned there's actually a term I can use to refer to these small things. It's called "attention … Continue reading Writers need “attention collectibles” to write well #1 — Intro

Why I’m so glad my manuscript was rejected

person holding blue ballpoint pen writing in notebook

I'll be honest. I was actually very sure my manuscript for the first book I ever wrote would be turned down when I went knocking on the doors of four publishers last year, heavy tome in tow. And it was. All four times! But the latest and final rejection was probably the most definitive since … Continue reading Why I’m so glad my manuscript was rejected

Writing into the new year with my old themes

a woman writing numbers on sand with her hand

"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you" - Zora Neale Hurston (Dust Tracks on a Road) In me, I’ve always felt there was something, a story, that wants to get out. Actually maybe more than one ‘something’. And definitely more than one story! No, this isn’t a scene from the 1979 … Continue reading Writing into the new year with my old themes

When writers pontificate, I take it personally

man in blue denim jacket holding a megaphone

I tell myself it's not personal. I tell myself they genuinely want to help, even inspire, other fledgling writers. But I can't help it. As a writer, I take it personally when other writers publicly pontificate. It's one thing to share with readers your journey to publication and financial success as a writer. It's another … Continue reading When writers pontificate, I take it personally

One writer’s return to writing morning pages

photo of white ceramic teacup

Four years ago, I completed an online memoir writing course where my coach urged us to drop writing prompts and exercises like morning pages. Instead, we should focus on intentional (purposeful) writing each time we put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. At about the same time, I learned what morning pages were (random, … Continue reading One writer’s return to writing morning pages