Slippery Slope
I have a writer friend who recently uttered a question that, I think, is the beginning of a slippery slope, leading to a melty pile of slush. A meltdown, if you will. Her question was “What’s the point?” I hear … Continue reading →
Concepts, Premises, and Loglines
Nailing down your theme, your main character, and the plot are a super start to writing a story. But maybe you’re still hesitating. I get it. Let’s not call it procrastination. It’s more like getting your ducks in a row. … Continue reading →
We Arrive with the Wind
We sail into the village on a gentle wind, my mother and me. Not like Mary Poppins or that Vianne character from Chocolat. But not unlike them either. We’ve come to stay for a time before moving on. “How long … Continue reading →
Story, Structure, and Plot
Writing involves so many pieces. I’ve talked about theme and character. Today, I’m trying to tame story, structure, and plot. I’ll start with what might be easiest to understand: story. Story is simply the writer telling (showing) the reader about … Continue reading →
Crafting Characters Who Can Carry Your Story
If you’ve been writing for a while, you may notice characters come fluttering into your head out of nowhere, full of personality and ready to go. But when that doesn’t happen, how do you go about putting together a main … Continue reading →
What Comes First: Character, Plot, or Theme?
Sometimes, the thing that comes first for me when I’m writing is a first line. But that can make it difficult to weave a story around. Then, I might have to kill my darling first line and start over. Sad. … Continue reading →
How Reaching Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit Can Enrich Your Life and Your Writing
Who among us hasn’t reached for the bag of pretzels or a cookie when they were hungry instead of slicing some chicken or putting a few spoons of cottage cheese in a bowl? The pretzels are so easy! Not to … Continue reading →
Was It the Moon?
Today stinks. That’s what Lucas thought, anyway, because most school days did. So why should today be any different? Nothing good happened unless it was here on the farm. He didn’t have to worry about his clothes or where his … Continue reading →
Making Room to Create (aka Downsizing Your Book Collection)
(Good morning. I wrote this post prior to the devastation of the fires in Southern California. My heart goes out to all of you who live there or know someone dealing with this tragedy. I have donated to the Pasadena … Continue reading →
Resolutions, Small Acts and Words of the Year
The decorations and gifts are put away, the twinkle lights are down, and just like that, the new year is underway. I do love the new year. It’s like standing at the top of a snowy hill, with no footprints … Continue reading →
