No, I'm afraid I'm not quite ready to return to this pivotal experience, but that doesn't mean I can't cheer on all of the aspiring novelists still in the game, right? I recently learned a neighbor was taking part. How could I forget how exciting it has always been to connect with other participants? Partly, … Continue reading NaNoWriMo 2018?
I believe most writers today not only appreciate the importance of consciously separating editing from writing, but can also recite the oft-repeated technique tips and tricks, such as: wait as long as possible before putting on the "editor" hat temporarily change the text to a defamiliarizing font don't rely on spelling/grammar checkers study lists of … Continue reading Editing Your Own Writing: The Most Overlooked Trick (3:10)
From the incantations of Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Excalibur to early attempts at Klingon, learning and playing with language took an early root in my life. Today I'm working on picking up Esperanto (thanks, Duolingo) and have discovered Toki Pona, a particularly minimalist language (14 letters, around 120 words). More than ever, I even feel … Continue reading Are Constructed Languages Contagious? (6:20)
No one is immune to the need for self-care. Not even writers, who if not glorified for dysfunctionality are at least held essentially synonymous with a disregard for the physical self in exchange for written mastery. Hygiene and sleep (and mundane stability in general) are for sales and hospitality. Please let this serve as a … Continue reading A Nod to Self-care for Writers (5:12)
Get to Know Me From what I understand, this tag was first created on inkgirllandwords, which was no longer in service when I tried to locate the site. Maybe past responders are thinking of inkgirlandwords? But "Get to Know Me" lives on . . . Tag Post Rules: Answer the questions given below. Credit the … Continue reading Get to Know Me Tag
So, there was no official conclusion to the recent "digital detox," which is fitting; that is one of several conditions I wish I'd laid out beforehand. What was first envisioned as a total "fast" ended up as more of a "holiday restriction." Now that the new year is here, I'm able to process the results. … Continue reading Digital Detox Recap
Forced to spend the better part of a good day away from home . . . without my cellphone? Well, that certainly got my attention. I recently found myself out the door and off on a Family Adventure Day™ with the cellular appendage left inexplicably behind and tethered to a charger (instead of to me). … Continue reading Digital Detox For the Holidays
I came across a wonderfully unique way of sharing great books today: the Friday 56 challenge from Freda’s Voice. I'm late to the most recent party there, but wanted to try this out just the same. The Friday 56 Rules: Grab a book, any book. … Continue reading Labyrinths (Borges) #Friday56
Top of the Stack One of the most sacred spaces for any lover of writing is the top shelf of a bookcase. Far from a place of retirement, this is that personal hall of fame you can reliably revisit any day or night. Let me share with you a peak at my favorite shelf. It's … Continue reading Writing Guides For Your Top Shelf
It can be especially difficult to maintain a consistent writing practice during the holidays. That's true of all routines this time of year, come to think of it. In the midst of bustling about, a fortunate writer can be gifted a poem, a story, or some other creative thought. This is a short discussion-starter about … Continue reading How a Plot Springs to Mind (7:21)
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