This week, I was reminded of what the great Ernest Hemingway once said, All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know. By this, Hemingway would effectively beat writer's block. Once he could write a single true sentence, Hemingway found himself able to write the next sentence. … Continue reading Curing Writer’s Block #1 — Start with one true sentence
Three nights ago, I did something for the second time in two years. I performed a reading aloud online with not one, not two, but four poems I wrote to an audience of fellow writers. 'Performing' is nothing new for me. I've been a lecturer and tutor for over 20 years. But that night's spoken … Continue reading My past prepared me for my online spoken reading
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
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
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 #4/4 — “Little Stories of Your Life”
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 #3/4 – Writing course 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
Sonnet: One step at a time Every mountain is climbedOne step at a timeEvery ladder rung mountedOne foot over the other That's what I was toldA thousand years agoYet this new year I'm stillAt the bottom of the hill So what's a man to doAt the bottom of a hillBut pick himself upDust himself off … Continue reading My Monday Metrical Musings #114
