Letting go of the first draft

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what to do when I’m done with the first draft of my novel. That time is close. It makes me sad, in a sense. I’ve enjoyed the private project of writing it. Soon, I’ll face the inevitable release of the book into the hands of others. I have — Read More

Don’t listen to Philip Roth.

Have you heard this story yet? In short: Julian Tepper just published his novel, Balls. He decided to approach Philip Roth, a regular at the Jewish deli where he worked, to tell him of this success and offer him a copy of the book (though Roth has said he doesn’t read fiction anymore). After complimenting — Read More

A rare request: Vote for me!

I entered a contest. This is very, very unlike me. Plus, in this contest, winners are based on social media involvement, ie sharing on Facebook, tweeting, etc. I don’t even have a Twitter account and I get flush with embarrassment when it comes to promoting myself on Facebook. I’m that person posting, “Hey, vote for — Read More

What NOT to say to a writer

I don’t know if it’s just that writers are super sensitive or what, but it seems that all of us feel like people say the wrong thing in response to our career/hobby/passion/whathaveyou. This list is a pretty good summary, capturing common comments that make writers laugh (or cry, on a bad day): From my own — Read More

How to be a writer’s friend (or lover)

A writer friend of mine said to me recently, “I gave a story I’m working on to my boyfriend for his opinion and he just said, ‘It’s interesting.’ Nothing else. That’s it.” She was fuming. Please note: This boyfriend is relatively new on the scene. He has no idea how he’s “supposed” to respond, bless — Read More

Confessions of an unpublished novelist

Sometimes I think it would be liberating if all my old manuscript pages went up in flames. When I say, “I’m researching,” it’s just code for, “I’m not writing.” I go months “researching.” There are moments when my characters totally perplex me. Those moments are terrifying. If I want to bail on a social event, — Read More