On Saturday, I went to a Writers Workshop hosted by my local guild, and it was fabulous. The main speaker was Denise Vitola: author, speaker, teacher, creator of worlds. The morning session was about writing flash fiction, which was great since I’ve been writing flash fiction but flying completely blind. Who knew there were rules [...]
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I have discovered the writing inspiration book that I can identify with, finally! Ray Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing: Releasing the Creative Genius Within You. Not a how-to book. It’s a collection of essays about writing, and it’s completely fabulous. This is a huge relief to me, because I seem to have started [...] It’s amazing how many times I will have read my manuscript before it’s finished. Yikes. Here’s where I am in the revision process: 1. Make an outline – check Now that I’m at step 4, things are kind of fuzzy. I felt great [...] I’m in the middle of some pretty good changes right now. Some things that I’m implementing, some things that are just happening. Edward will be five years old tomorrow. My second child, the one I thought I’d never have, and then thought I would lose – five years old! His pre-K class went to see [...] Hey, you’ll never guess what I’m reading: Manuscript Makeover by Elizabeth Lyon. Still! I’m on the last chapter and I vow to finish it tonight. Lately I’ve been reading about scenes and I’m adopting a new mantra: Make It Worse. Elizabeth Lyon says that suspense is the cornerstone of fiction and has a wonderful list [...] I’m still enthralled with Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover, but it’s taking me forever to get through it since I’m taking so many notes. Ray thinks I’m a little crazy, but surely he’s secretly pleased – the book was one of his most brilliant Christmas gifts ever. As you know, I love to write but have [...] Lately I’ve been reading Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott (which I’ll review next Monday). Prior to reading her book on writing and life, I was totally in the camp of those who think plot is more important than character. Okay, I’m still in that camp. Lamott is firmly and completely in the character camp. [...] As a writer, I don’t want to stop at half baked. I’m certain of my raw writing talent, but it’s very…raw. As in that pink mound of chicken breast thawing in the kitchen sink. And attracting flies. First is the raw. Then the half baked. Eventually, the well done. “Talent is cheaper than table salt. [...] First, THANK YOU so much for all the great feedback yesterday. In addition to the helpful comments posted, I received emails and feedback in person, and it was all good. I made some changes and updated the description this morning on the ABNA site – thanks again! I’ve been thinking about novel writing methods, and I [...] |
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