Writers and Self-Censorship
originally published March 7, 2016 in Women Writers, Women’s Books Writers should not be censored. I think everyone can agree on that. The whole idea of censorship conjures an image of stern political enforcers, combing through every line of poetry and prose with an eye to deleting or destroying anything that works against the current […]
Advice You Won’t Get In A Writing Program
originally published in Manhattan Book Review, December 7, 2015 Let me begin by saying that you will learn a lot in any good creative writing program. The most important of which will be what questions to ask as you craft your narrative. Every facet of writing – character development, setting, pacing, imagery and so […]
I PUBLISHED MY BOOK! NOW WHAT?
originally published on October 19, 2015 in Women Writers, Women’s Books Once upon a time my writing life centered on writing, getting a short story published, writing another story, and so on. It went this way for decades. People asked me from time to time why I didn’t get a collection together, and publish […]
Truth and Lies About Self-Publishing
This article originally appeared on August 25, 2015 in Women Writers, Women’s Books. Some say self-publishing is the greatest invention since sliced bread. Others say it’s ruining the industry. A lot of people have weighed in on this hugely popular phenomenon. Now, it’s my turn. I’ll address a few commonly held ideas and say […]
Overcoming Writer’s Block
originally published August 3, 2015 in Prose We’ve all had it, that moment when nothing comes to mind. Our words stare back at us, asking to be fleshed out, continued, fulfilled, and we can do nothing to help them. Our protagonist has gotten herself stuck firmly this time, and is going nowhere fast. The most […]
When It’s Time To Move On And Abandon Your Novel
WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON AND ABANDON YOUR NOVEL originally published July 9, 2015 in Prose Leonardo Da Vinci said,“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” This is true for every short story I ever wrote, whether it was published, or not. The published pieces, upon subsequent reading months or years after the fact reveal […]
Tips on Getting Feedback
Originally appeared in Women Writers, Women’s Book, July 2nd, 2015 Writers hear it all the time – connect with your reader. Give the reader what he wants. Manager her expectations. Don’t confuse them. Surprise them. Keep them interested. These are all worthy goals, but they’re after the fact. First, you write, then you get […]
Career or Calling? Thoughts on the Writing Life, by Anesa Miller
Today I’m pleased to host Anesa Miller as she shares her thoughtful essay, “Career or Calling? Thoughts on the Writing Life.” Anesa’s debut novel, Our Orbit is now available from BookTrope. Buy links appear at the bottom of this page. Nine-year-old Miriam Winslow never wore new clothes, never had a haircut, and believes that sinners […]
Keeping The Flame Lit
originally published in Women Writers, Women’s Book June 4, 2015 Writing is hard work. We all know that, right? We take an idea, move it along, push it this way, that way, leave it alone, return to it, and sometimes scratch it altogether. Once we’ve got something substantial, we tear it all apart and put […]
Why I Write – Lawrence Parlier
I’m always inspired by how other writers find their way. I asked my friend and colleague, Lawrence Parlier, to share his story with me. Lawrence’s debut novel, Sierra Court Blues, was published in 2013. Read my review here. Why I Write (Or the unintended consequence of loquaciousness) I’ve always been a […]