The year 2012 was a good writing year for me. I wrote two novels, a few dozen short stories, ventured into the world of interactive fiction and started this blog. I’ve tried to share the things I’ve learned along the way, and so, I…
How Twenty Minutes Before You Do Anything Else Can Change Your Writing
Last time, I wrote about NaNoWriMo, the international endurance test for writers. What NaNoWriMo teaches me every year is that making time for writing every day makes that day vastly better. The word count is a little high, though. So…
Writers and the NaNo Paradigm
It’s that time of year again, folks. Nano has landed, and ever since, I’ve been pressed up to my laptop screen at every free second. But this year is slightly different for me. I’m using my NaNo time to complete something that I’ve promised…
The Write Idea: Part Two
Last time I spoke about keeping hold of ideas, backing up and not updating your iPhone. This time, I want to share a brilliant trick for what to do when inspiration eludes you. This, I will be honest and own…
The Write Ideas- Part 1
This week, in a few spare minutes at work, I decided to make notes about my work in progress on my phone. My iPhone. I do this a lot if I don’t have paper, or if I don’t want people…
Writing: A Lot Like Love?
When it’s going well, writing is exactly like being in love: the fever, the passion, the need to spend every waking moment with your loved one. But, just like love, there are down times, moments when you see the flaws…
Self-Control and the Writer
When Zadie Smith admitted last week that she used Internet-Blocker Self-Control to help her write, it unleashed a large, unsympathetic twitter debate about the merits of using the internet for research while writing. But–and here’s a secret–I use it too….
New Artwork from Dr. Regina Valluzzi
Queen of the Afternoon by Dr. Regina Valluzzi As a Practicing scientist for several decades, Dr. Regina Valluzzi has always pursued her development as an artist in tandem with her technical achievements. Even while completing double BS degrees at…
Lulls and Peaks
I like to think of myself as a “sort-of writer.” I have a few stories in books, a couple of big pieces that people might have heard of and a small–but much appreciated–circle of social network followers who like my…
When Writers Falter: How to Find Your Way Back
I wrote a while ago about how writing is a long road, about how we’re in it for the long haul, how dedication and perseverance and stubbornness are traits a writer needs. But now I’d like to talk about the…
Widening Your Writing Circle: Critique Groups
Writing can be a lonely business. For most of us to focus on our work, we need to be in a place of quiet, calm and solitude. This is wonderful for wading through your book draft or crafting beautiful verse….
Coming Home: Is Your Genre Right for You?
Two weeks ago I moved to a new house. It was an uprooting, unsettling experience in many ways. I felt homesick for my old place where I’d been for so many years. And it made me think–once the dust had…