I have a confession to make. I got distracted this week. The garden is planted, so that’s a good thing. Some weeding got done. I did a lot of knitting. I spent 2 hours every day moving the sprinkler around the yard and hand-watering my new plants and seeds. I spent some time crying while …
3 Ways to Approach Character Development
Characters are the foundation of every story. So much of writing in every genre depends on character development. Just as a good reporter researches those they will interview to gain insight and help them ask better questions, writers must get to know their characters intimately. Without getting to know them as well as we can, …
3 Things to Bring to Your Writing
The view from my office window has changed in the last year. The tops of trees and the tops of mountains now dominate the view. My hummingbird feeder is quite busy on these spring days, providing a distraction and a meditation, depending on my mood. Last week, I asked what three things you would bring …
When Writing Isn’t Your Biggest Priority
Workout Wednesday - July 17, 2019 You may have noticed there was no post last Wednesday, July 10. I apologize for that. I was sitting in a hospital room, making arrangements for my husband to enter hospice care at home. I didn’t give two figs about writing that day. I did think of you, dear …
Having Trouble Writing This Summer? Try this!
Motivational Monday Writing Challenge! July 15, 2019 My writing has changed lately. Partly because it is summer and I have so much to do outside. Partly because of a personal issue. Partly because, sometimes it is just hard to write. When that happens, I return to the Why I Write assignment and do a quick …
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One Writer’s Story
Motivational Monday Writing Challenge - 7.8.2019 A friend tagged me on Facebook with a quote that goes something like this: When people throw stones at you, don’t throw them back. Pick them up and build something great! This reminds me of the writing life. You know what I mean – that dreaded conversation. “What do …
Motivational Mondays Writing Challenge – 7.1.2019
Using Life to Boost Your Writing Another celebration is upon us in the U.S - the Fourth of July. Think of all the things that happen on the Fourth: picnics, BBQs, fireworks, parades, pie eating contests, hot dog eating contests, games like tug of war and croquet, family reunions and so much more. Any one …
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Motivational Mondays Writing Challenge! 6.24.2019
One Way to Begin a Story Once upon a time. Such a classic phrase. When we read it, we often think of fairy tales from our childhood. My husband tells of his college professor who told students this phrase was the cure for writer’s block. He would say something like, “Just type out ‘Once upon …
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Motivational Mondays Writing Challenge – 6.17.2019
Writing Celebrations Think about this: all the characters you write about have birthdays and perhaps even favorite holidays. How will you describe a celebration to your readers? Who is your protagonist? How are they feeling? Are they celebrating wholeheartedly? Or is something bothering them? Do they hate holidays? If so, why? Set the scene for …
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Writing? In the Summer?
Building Your Writing Practice - Workout Wednesday The tyranny of the urgent often seems to be a guiding force in my life. Especially in summer, there is always something pressing that needs doing right now: watering the wilting flower baskets, picking up prescriptions in town, pick up at the CSA, going to Farmers Market, mowing …
