Creative Confessionist
The gorgeous Cleveland weather got me thinking scene. I've recently learned a couple of scene don'ts. Don'ts are easy. You can take them out if you happen to have them in your manuscript. (Says the queen of strikeouts. I never met a phrase I couldn't pare.) Do's are harder, as is creating new scenes for… Continue reading Spontaneous 2: Scene in Writing
I am a writer. I have grand thoughts while grinding away on my upright bike. Admittedly, that's because I'm listening to Les Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Sylvester Stallone yelling locker room halftime speeches on volume nine, accompanied by epic soundtracks. I close my eyes, peddle faster at the crescendos. I apply football to writing, weightlifting… Continue reading Spontaneous 1: Uncomfortaville
If we were having coffee I'd be smiling enormously. Two weeks ago today an agent requested my full manuscript. My reaction: eeeeeeeeck! Then another agent requested my manuscript. And...holy-too-good-to-be-true Batman! A THIRD AGENT REQUESTED MY FULL MANUSCRIPT. For my non-writer friends, this is like winning the lottery three times in a row. I've spilled my… Continue reading Weekend Coffee Share: Things to Say Yay! About
Uncle Asbestos brings me presents when his tour is done. There are always interesting treats lurking in his pockets. He removes his helmet with a wry smile and dramatic sloth. My fidgeting betrays my impatience. He inside-outs his pockets and a slew of my favorite tiny, multi-colored creatures fall out. I squeal. We play with… Continue reading The Perks of Galactic Transport
...going to get this life under complete control. That's what I tell myself between Christmas and January, the only time I ever think about making a standard work list that includes a time slot specifically devoted to chopping vegetables and organizing the fridge. Here's how resolution delusion plays out: Starting January 2nd, I'm going to… Continue reading I Resolve, Therefore I Am
November 23 was designated the International Day of Words, by the Fundación César Egido Serrano to promote "the word as a bond of humanity, against any violence." What can mere words do, you ask, against any violence? Being a lover of words, I believe they can do great wonders. Consider the words of Christmas. Peace. Merry. Bright.… Continue reading Day of Words: Christmas
Each session, 5000 Words culminates with a peer-judged writing contest. Our last few classes are devoted entirely to workshops, which are the faves of mine and my students. After surviving the gauntlet of peer critique (in which the writer must remain absolutely silent), students polish and edit their stories to a brilliant shine. Why silent,… Continue reading Congratulations Fall 2018 Contest Winners!
