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
"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
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
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
"Deep breaths man. Deep breaths. Now that you've met both publishers, the ball's in your court. It's time to pitch your book proposal!" Exciting but nerve-racking to say the least. Regular readers of my blog would already know I've made contact with not one but two book publishers (with a possible third on the horizon). … Continue reading How I’m going to (gulp) write my book proposal
As a writer, most of my writing time is spent in solitude feverishly typing away. Or at the very least in silent contemplation when I'm stuck in a rut. Either way, it stands to reason my best writing times would be when the world's asleep. When my words can flow unhindered like a gentle stream, … Continue reading How connections and creative conversations help my writing aggregate
No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. And no, my blog title doesn't contain a typo. I really am 400 today! Or rather, this is now officially my 400th blog post! By sheer dogged perseverance, I've pushed myself hard to relentlessly churn one post after another since April 2019. My pace doubled in 2020 … Continue reading In the blink of an eye, I’m 400!
Last week, I wrote shamefacedly about C S Lewis, a writing hero of mine. Even though I never read any of his works all the way through. As shocking and embarrassing as that post was -- calling a writer my hero when I've never read his works cover to cover -- it can't beat today's … Continue reading My “Writing Heroes” #6/6 – Those I’ve Never Read (Part 2)!
Among the entries for this mini-series on my writing heroes, I fear this (and its sequel) is my most embarrassing! Oh well, I did post that this year I wish to lean into what scares me. So here goes. Writing heroes I've never really read! Photo by Min An on Pexels.com If you find this … Continue reading My “Writing Heroes” #5/6 – Those I’ve Never Read (Part 1)!
Below was a petition letter I emailed last Sunday to a member of parliament representing my constituency. It was one I had originally planned to draft and send out next month. However, I recently found out a major announcement will be made by my nation's Prime Minister tomorrow at his annual National Day Rally speech. … Continue reading My first petition letter to a member of parliament
