A classic song from Sir Elton John starts with this line: It's a little bit funny; this feeling inside. I think it aptly describes my funny feeling now as I type this post, after announcing last week I've knocked out 500 posts since starting my blog four years ago. Despite what I claimed the past … Continue reading Life after 500 posts — feeling stuck or in a sweet spot?!
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
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 #2/4 – Reading Resources
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 #1/4 — Intro
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
