Did you know that John Steinbeck kept a journal while writing East of Eden and that it is available in book form? For writers who struggle with such things as self-doubt, writer’s block, and guilt, John Steinbeck’s Journal of a Novel is balm to a wound. He wrote it in the form of letters to his editor at Viking Press, calling it his way […]
Book Talk
Journal Treasures – Writing a Book
While scavenging through old journals for inspiration, I came across an entry I’d written January 1, 2003 about writing a book. Writing a Book A new year begins. A fresh start. Many hopes. Many dreams. One of my wildest dreams is to complete my first novel. I finished writing it a year ago, but it isn’t complete. I’ve […]
Twelve Essential Writer Tools for Life and Sanity
All authors need writer tools (Or should I say crutches?) to give them a boost when their writing is not going well. In my case, make that twelve. Twelve little crutches to support me as I limp through “The Between,” from creating to publishing my work. Morning Journal. First thing every morning, I write in my […]
Thanksgiving Behind Bars: Knowing your Characters
I’ve noticed that on many creative writing blogs writers share their work. What a revelation! I’ve been spending most of my time writing about blogging and craft (which have their place, of course), when my peers are doing what they do best–writing creatively. So using a prompt adapted from The Pocket Muse: “In your character’s voice, describe a holiday without […]
Book Talk / Some Writers Deserve to Starve!
Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 31 Brutal Truths About The Publishing Industry. Elaura Niles puts into words what beginning writers already know in their guts. Getting published isn’t easy. Once the writing’s done, the work begins. But then again, what of value ever comes easily? It helps to get an inside look at the realities that lie ahead for […]
Form in Fiction
Phil Bond has been one of my critique partners for over three years and has agreed to share his essay: Form in Fiction an essay and a review of resources In fiction, form is another word for structure or plot. Without a plot, we have no satisfying story, only an event, an anecdote, a fragment, or a fable. Apart […]
