The other day, a non-writer friend of mine complimented me on how I was able to complete a certain writing project on top of my other work. Being naturally dismissive of compliments, I responded, “Oh, writing comes easy for me.” And then I wondered why I had just lied to my friend. Writing doesn’t come easy […]
Writing
Readers in Love with Characters
Last week was my husband’s and my seventh wedding anniversary; we’ve been a couple for almost 15 years total. A friend of mine asked if we were happily married, and when I said yes, she asked what our secret was. I thought for a few minutes and told her that there were a few. One […]
Reading Aloud
One of the best things about the writer’s retreat I attended last weekend was the mandate that all writing done in the kula must be read aloud. (You could technically refuse for a round or two, but it’s strongly discouraged.) It’s a scary feeling, having to read something you’ve written, and even scarier when it […]
Crossing Categories
I’ve just turned in my newly edited manuscript to my agent (after just 2 weeks! Go me!) and am now patiently awaiting the next step. And by waiting, I mean immediately going to work on something else. I’m going back to work on the first draft of my second historical novel, based on the Blizzard […]
Why (And How) I’m DIY-ing my MFA
Intro: This post is inspired by one of my favorite writers, Gabriela Pereira, “instigator” of DIY MFA. Besides writing the column “Be Well, Write Well” for DIY MFA, I’ve also agreed to be a part of the team helping to promote the new DIY MFA book coming out this summer! I’m super-excited to read it. […]
March Writing Life Update: Agent Acquired!
It’s been awhile since I’ve done an update on my writing life, but there hasn’t been much news to share… until recently. In this first quarter of the year, I’ve been working steadily on two long-term projects: the new nonfiction website/book, and my next historical novel about the Blizzard of 1888. (Contrary to my original […]