When I go to readings or workshops I often hear people ask the author or presenter, “Do you outline?” The subject generates a lot of chatter out there in the writing world. Do a quick Google search and you’ll see …
Twelve Posts on Writing, Day Eight: Going fishing
When I was a kid, my family went camping. A lot. I’m not talking KOA-comfort, complete-with-showers camping, either. I’m talking the rugged, dirty, go-behind-a-tree type here. And on these trips, we always took our fishing poles. Mine was black with …
Boxing Day Randomness
Ahh, Boxing Day… The living room is strewn with Legos and race track parts and the plastic bits and baubles of The Littlest-Bittiest-Teensiest-Weensiest Pet Shops. The Christmas tree is crisping in the corner and The Chairman of the Borg and …
Twelve Posts on Writing, Day Seven: Ugly first, then beautiful
I wanted to write this post close on the heels of the last, as they’re somewhat related. The other night I was working with PMC clay, making silver pendants to give as gifts. My ideas for the designs felt stilted. …
Twelve Posts on Writing, Day Six: Don’t be afraid to break it
A friend called a while back, wanting feedback on a story she’d written for a contest in our local newspaper. I listened as she read, and jotted down notes of what I liked and also what I thought she could …