Monthly Archives: January 2022

Mistakes can be blessings (Encore)

Usually when I make a mistake, it’s something that continues to kick me in the head no matter whether I admit it or not. There’s always payback. Bent nails, split wood, crooked trim, creaky hinges–the list goes on and on. And … Continue reading

Posted in editing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Why bother with writing exercises? (Encore)

If you’re inspired enough to take a writing class of some sort, you’re almost certain to be presented with a creative challenge of one kind or another. Usually, these are in the form of writing exercises. Some writer friends of … Continue reading

Posted in Historical writing, Memoir, novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Little Voice Exercise (Encore)

In writer’s circles, “voice” is often discussed as if it’s some mystical element which seeps out from the heavens, or the depths of an adult beverage, to infuse one’s writing with the essence of truth, gravitas, or some other damn … Continue reading

Posted in Memoir, novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Writing a novel is like… (Encore)

…eating an elephant. You have to do it one bite at a time. No one seems to care how the elephant feels about this. The point, obviously, is that writing a novel is a big job, and you won’t finish … Continue reading

Posted in novel writing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Christmas Cheer — Part Five (Encore)

This will be my first post for 2022, and while the content isn’t brand new, the sentiment behind the story will never go out of date. Please understand, I love teachers; I even married one! And I do a bit … Continue reading

Posted in short fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment