Tag Archives: the writing life

The Antidote to Panic

Posted on February 7, 2020 by

I saw a call for a new anthology. I thought had a story in inventory that would work. I had written it a few years ago and run it by my critique partner. Stephanie made some astute comments and I revised the story … Continue reading →

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It Depends

Posted on January 31, 2020 by

Back when I was a Girl Scout, I went to camp every summer. Even the littlest campers were expected to help out with chores, both in their individual units and in the larger campground. One week, I was assigned to … Continue reading →

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A Choice Every Minute

Posted on January 9, 2020 by

Or maybe even every second. I have a writing project on my desk. I’m stuck. Can’t think of  new idea, can’t think where to take the ideas that I do have. Should I sit here until I have some kind … Continue reading →

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I Did It Anyway

Posted on December 31, 2019 by

Yesterday I put my last submission of the year in the mail. (This was one of those rare markets where you actually send in a paper copy.) And I did it despite all contrary conditions. Despite the printer running out … Continue reading →

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Looking Backwards

Posted on December 17, 2019 by

I’m not one for nostalgia. I don’t view the past with some hazy golden glow.  I remember all too well the struggles, heartbreaks and hard work of my younger years. Besides, I’m happy now, so the past holds little attraction … Continue reading →

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Roughing It

Posted on December 10, 2019 by

In my last post, I talked a bit about how we get ideas. But getting the idea is worthless if we immediately lose its essence. We have to capture not just the idea, but its context. Many writers talk about … Continue reading →

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Stray Cats

Posted on November 27, 2019 by

Ideas, it seems to me, are like stray cats. First of all, they’re everywhere, even when you can’t see them. Sometimes, especially when you can’t see them. Sometimes you see them, try to approach them, and they dart away. Feral, … Continue reading →

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The Least I Can Do

Posted on November 16, 2019 by

Writing can be overwhelming. It’s like any other huge job. Getting a college or advanced degree. Cleaning out the garage. Getting your affairs in order, for when you die. All the advice books tell you to break it all down … Continue reading →

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Distraction Subtraction

Posted on November 5, 2019 by

“A definite purpose, like blinders on a horse, inevitably narrows its possessor’s point of view.” Robert Frost Horses have their eyes on the sides of the heads. They wear blinders to keep them focused on the task at hand, and not startled … Continue reading →

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Didja Ever Notice?

Posted on October 28, 2019 by

The Pasadena (Ca.) choice for the 2020 One Book One City event is The Secrets We Kept, by Lara Prescott. (It looks terrific!) One of the local branches of the Pasadena Public Library set up a display table with a … Continue reading →

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