In literature, a trope is a device, a theme, a motif or symbol that appears regularly in literary genres. Some people call them cliches because they appear so often. But that word has a negative connotation, so I don’t want … Continue reading →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
(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 →
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 →
