Sometimes, when I am feeling a bit stuck, I walk. I look at Lake Michigan. But today, it’s cold. And icy. On days like that, I step away from the manuscript and try and tackle something short and different and difficult. In other words: I step out of my comfort zone. This morning, I did…
Trust the process
You know how sometimes the right advice comes at exactly the right moment? Something you’ve heard before said one more time makes everything fall into place? This week, I was lucky to hear Cynthia Leitich Smith talk about writing and process at The Book Stall in Winetka. She talked about her trust in the process…and…
Quote of the Day
Yoga Wisdom
In yesterday’s class, in the middle of the second part of awkward pose (my least favorite right now….not sure why), the teacher said: ONLY ONE THING IS CERTAIN. IF YOU TRY,….. YOU WILL GET BETTER. So true for yoga. SOOOO true for writing.
The Next Big Thing!
The Next Big Thing is an awareness blog campaign that began in Australia and became international. It features authors and illustrators of books for kids and young adults and their recently published books and/or those that are slated to be released this year. Thank you to Anna Levine, who invited me to talk about my…
Try it!
Here’s a prompt that really helped me get out of my rut: In your current scene pin down the moment when things change. How does your POV character’s self-understanding also change? (I hope it helps you, too!)
Are you having one of those days?
A friend called me this afternoon. She was feeling very low about her career. But then she remembered: Her kids were doing great. Her new idea for a book was exciting. She is in a great marriage. Has great friends. She is not broke. Food on the table. She can afford the new shoes…
Today’s writing prompt…
comes from Susan Hughes. Who else is obsessed with the discovery of Richard III’s bones???? I bet it’s the seed that will start at least a few great stories!
Yoga Wisdom: how it’s going…
So…..a while back, my yoga teacher challenged me to change my spot, to get out of the comfort zone (as if there is such a thing in the hot room), and this is what happened: at first, it was HARD. I had a bad class. I had definitely been practicing in a cooler spot….
I need to repeat this….
every morning. NOT perfect. JUST written.