Who are your writing heroes? Can you name them—right now? Do you know who they are? Does it matter? I’ve asked a number of people these questions. I’ve been amazed by how many blank looks I’ve received. Maybe it’s because my writing heroes are so important to me—and I believe,Continue Reading
She’s been one of my favorite authors since I was in my early 20s. I couldn’t believe she was coming all the way from Toronto to Idaho. I’ve attended readings/lectures/signings with several of my writing heroes, including Andre Dubus III, Dennis Lehane, Ann Patchett, and Daniel Woodrell. They were allContinue Reading
A Valentine’s Letter from Your Writing I’m sorry, but it’s just not working between us anymore. I’ve lost the feeling, and I haven’t been able to get it back. It’s not you, it’s…well, yeah, it’s you. You’ve killed the spark between us. Me? You’re blaming me? Well, whatever. If that’sContinue Reading
There are a lot of blog posts published at this time of year telling us how to set goals. It’s rather of a useless activity, though, if you’re doing it simply because you think you should, or because everyone else is doing it, or because you did it last year.Continue Reading
We’re knee-deep in holiday season this week. Are you still getting your writing done? It’s probably one of the most difficult times of the year to stick with a daily writing practice. Most of our routines are completely upended, and routine is the writer’s friend when it comes to gettingContinue Reading
At this time of year, I always find myself slipping into a period of reflection. How has the year gone? Where am I, in terms of my professional and personal growth? How did I do on my goals? Underneath all of this is perhaps the biggest question on my mind,Continue Reading
I was slumped against the passenger side door of our old Dodge station wagon. Its claim to fame was that it resembled the Ghostbusters’ prized vehicle, minus the sirens and lights. My younger brother was extremely proud of that. My mom, on the other hand, wasn’t so thrilled. Like it’sContinue Reading
Are you a grateful writer? I believe that our thoughts and words can create our reality. Too much wallowing in the difficulty of our chosen occupation and pretty soon that’s all we see—how difficult it is. It’s only a short step from there to seeing ourselves as unable to overcomeContinue Reading
I hate morning people. Not literally, of course. In fact, as long as they don’t bother me, I don’t mind them at all. But every once in awhile, if I spend time with friends or family, I’m reminded how very violent I can get if people bother me in theContinue Reading
Guest post by Steve Mitchell and Carol Roan The experiences we draw upon in order to write exist in every part of our selves. When our writing is not going well, when we’re blocked, lots of thoughts are running around in our heads (all of which we discard), and that’sContinue Reading
A couple weeks ago, I told you all about my trip to research my current work in progress (The Beached Ones). Now I’m back home, the trip is over, and I’m processing the whole experience. I thought it only fair to warn you—this type of journey isn’t for the faintContinue Reading
Situation: I’m in the second draft of my work in progress. My characters travel across country, from Iowa to California. Dilemma: I’ve either a) never been to the locations where my characters stop along the way, or b) it’s been so long the places are dim in my memory. SolutionContinue Reading