When I am having trouble writing, I examine my writing to reading to watching ratio. When I watch too much, I am less present. I am too distant. Disengaged. When I read, I think. I infer. I invite my brain to be inspired. Last week at Lollapalooza, I saw this phenom on a grand…
Writing
Quote of the Day
“Long before I wrote stories, I listened for stories. Listening for them is something more acute than listening to them. I suppose it’s an early form of participation in what goes on. Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out,…
Epiphanies!
Part of my process when I start revising…or really “re-imagining,” is that I get a bunch of epiphanies. Mostly, answers to the question: What if? and more important: what is it you are trying to say? It can be a little bit frustrating. (perhaps more to my friends than for myself). Themes often come…
Dear Writing Process,
You are supposed to be getting easier. But you’re not. (At least not today.) Today, you are challenging me. Today, I am changing the POV of my new WIP and I am seeing things a new way. I guess I wouldn’t have it any other way. xos
ALA!
What a great first night! (I should have taken pictures!) And for those who were worried, I didn’t get a parking ticket! If you are here in Chicago, find me! I’ll be signing copies of BELIEVE on Sunday at the Lerner booth from 10-11. Or look for me! I’ll be standing in lines. First…
Hiding in the comfort zone
This is a funny week for me. ALA is coming, and I will have my very first ALA signing. (I am very excited/nervous about this.) Putting yourself in public is always a little hard for me. (I am not cool.) Last night, as my husband and I watched the Chicago Blackhawks score twice in…
What I got from my MFA
This week, I sent a brand new manuscript draft to my agent. Well, let’s be honest. NOT so new. What it was: a completely new version based loosely on a draft I wrote when I was in my first semester at VCFA. (In other words: a big mess of characters and setting and plot…
I pressed SEND!
It’s a little too chilly for the beach, but I have just sent in a brand new manuscript. I know, I know, the work is only beginning. But today still marks a milestone. It is ready for comments. It is out of my hands…for a little while at least. It is time to CELEBRATE!…
Do you ever wonder….
what your teacher does after they send you a long letter with feedback? Here is the answer: they don’t sleep! Critiquing is a relationship. It is a bond that has to start and finish with respect and humility and trust. When I send feedback–especially the kind that invites the author to think in new ways–I…
Know your process
Last weekend, I attended a very inspiring conference where I figured out quite a lot about my main characters. I made myself a list of notes of things I wanted to do in the manuscript. The lectures had pulled a bunch of pivotal scenes into focus. Note: I know where this manuscript will end, but…