Tag Archives: writers

Stray Cats

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

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 →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged cats, ideas, stray cats, the writing life, writers, writing | 3 Comments

The Least I Can Do

Posted on November 16, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

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 →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, blog posts, blogging, creativity, essays, getting started, ideas, novels, productivity, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing | 6 Comments

Distraction Subtraction

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

“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 →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, creativity, distractions, focus, goals, quotes, resources, Robert Frost, the writing life, writers, writing | 5 Comments

Didja Ever Notice?

Posted on October 28, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

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 →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged A.J. Finn, Alex North, authors, book titles, books, Chandler Baker, Gillian Flynn, JP Delaney, Karen Fossum, Liane Moriarty, mystery novels, novels, reading, Ruth Ware, suspense novels, the writing life, titles, writers, writing | 5 Comments

Process: The Short Story

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

I can only speak about how it works for me. I am impelled to start a story in several ways. The first way is that a story just springs to mind, something I have to write, or perhaps a character … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged anthologies, authors, creativity, getting started, ideas, process, productivity, publishing, resources, short stories, the writing life, writers, writing, writing the first draft | 8 Comments

Respect

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

I’ve played the guitar for decades. Well, sort of. I know lots of chords and chord progressions in several keys. But basically I’ve just plunked along, self taught, or with tips from people who were better than I. A few … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged authors, guitar, habits, music, the writing life, writers, writing | 2 Comments

The Words That Kill My Writing

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Lots of words and phrases put my writing and my writing career in grave danger. Some come from inside myself. Well, actually most of them these days come from within myself, even if they originally came from outside sources. These … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, getting started, habits, performance, the writing life, time management, writers, writing | 6 Comments

Gosh, Thanks!

Posted on October 4, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

Last evening, I went to Vroman’s, my favorite independent bookstore, for the monthly Trivia contest. While there, I picked up the latest copy of Mystery Scene Magazine. I am a faithful reader. I love the articles on historic figures or events … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged anthologies, book reviews, encouragement, gratitude, mystery fiction, Mystery Scene Magazine, mystery stories, publishing, short stories, Sisters In Crime, success, the writing life, Vroman's Bookstore, writers, writing | 8 Comments

We Are Not Alone!

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

No I’m not referring to extraterrestrials. I’m referring to the hurdles we face in getting published, getting accepted, getting read. I recently saw an article in my local paper titled “The Odds of Getting Hired,” by Angela Copeland. It stated … Continue reading →

Posted in publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged advice, authors, job hunting, networking, publishing, submitting, the writing life, writers, writing | 3 Comments

Resources

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Lida Bushloper

We writers depend on resources. Market listings, critique groups, craft classes. But I, at least, end up being a resource for all my non-writing (or less experienced) friends. One acquaintance recently asked me how to register/protect a book title. I … Continue reading →