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WRITING ADVICE FOR A BROKEN HEART HOSPITAL CAMPOUT

September 19, 2021 by

Writing advice from writers usually comes with a warning, or should: This is what works for them. It might work for you or another writer, but it definitely works for them. After a single night campout in a hospital bed, their advice carried more weight for better or worse. A week out from the event […]

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FEELING BAD? THINK OF OTHERS WHILE YOU SUFFER

August 11, 2021 by

Feeling bad, as if it’s not enough, comes with extras, like those trying to help you feel better. Think of them while you’re in the throes of misery. Whether you know it or not, your suffering is their suffering. They feel better when you feel better. This came up at a recent gathering of some […]

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PROJECT PLAN: HOW TO WRITE A MEMOIR

July 14, 2021 by

Every project plan starts with an idea, a glimmer of light shining in the darkness. It either has a flashing moment of recognition before fading to the places, or finds life on a list of things to do. A ‘To Do’ list, and ‘Action List’, an ‘Order of Operations List.’ This is when an idea […]

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AMERICAN WRITERS FROM THERE TO HERE AND BACK AGAIN

July 3, 2021 by

Why do American writers, or any writer for that matter, bother putting words down? The easy answer is, “Because they have something to say.” Which brings up another question: What if no one is listening, or reading, or shows even the slightest interest? Is that the writer’s problem? They’re doing the work and it shows. […]

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BLOG PRESSURE DRIVES PEOPLE TO QUIT TOO SOON

June 3, 2021 by

Quitters find a way to quit that suits them, but blog pressure? Please. Who quits a blog after twenty nine days? In a blogger rule book, #1 would be ‘Don’t Quit Early.’ Some of us have a different idea of what early means, though. Besides, if you’re going to quit something, why not try and […]

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WRITING CONFERENCE UPDATE FROM CHUCK SAMBUCHINO

May 10, 2021 by

How the writing conference update started: Hi David, Chuck Sambuchino here (formerly a long-time editor with Writer’s Digest and the GLA). The GLA is the Guide To Literary Agents, a book I’ve bought. I follow Chuck on Twitter. He sent me a message, which is different than a notification. This is Chuck Sambuchino:

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WRITING COACH PUMPS UP ALPHABET: FOLLOW THE GAME PLAN

April 12, 2021 by

Every writing coach, or anyone who calls themselves a writing coach, has a similar goal: Get something down on paper, on a screen, a phone, just get it down. It can be good, bad, indifferent, it doesn’t matter. Just get it down. A good writing coach doesn’t emphasize the difficulty. Between coach and player, they […]

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WHY WRITERS BELIEVE IN READERS? IT TAKES BOTH

March 21, 2021 by

Writers believe the time they spend on their work is worthwhile. Opinions from others vary. Of course writers believe, but is their opinion the one that matters? After days and years of focus on a project, they’d better believe in their work. One sage said to choose a writing topic you love, because you’ll eventually […]

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WRITING ROOM: FROM FAMILY ROOM TO SICK ROOM AND BACK

March 10, 2021 by

A writing room is any room where writing is done. It’s a bedroom, a classroom, or living room. It could be a bar or coffee house; a bus or train. Some writing rooms belong to writers who need ‘consistency of place’ to be productive. How can you be sure your writing room is right for […]

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WORKING WRITER STATEMENT: MOVE THE PILE

November 15, 2020 by

T.C. Boyle is a working writer with the sort of social engagement skills that can’t be taught. He’s got instinct on his side. Instinct is essential in the work he does, which is writing books and short stories that get read. It’s a familiar instinct for those who pay attention. And I do, which is […]

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