Running and writing, part 2

I didn’t expect to find a story about writing in my beloved Runner’s World magazine. But then I did. It shouldn’t really surprise me. I see running and writing as going together like PB and J. I didn’t become a runner to improve my writing. That was an unexpected side effect–and is probably why I’ve stuck — Read More

Some of the greats on writing

I know, it seems like I do a version of this post every other week, but I’m like a fly to shit with these types of things. I just love to hear how the greats write. It’s inspiring. This latest collection of wisdom was gathered by the New York Public Library. Zadie Smith on writing — Read More

Making it work

This is film director Eric Cosland. On the topic of creative work, he says: “If it feels good while you’re doing it, you’re not doing it right. You should be suffering a little bit.” So true, right? My nagging insomnia in the midst of writing/editing attests to that. My stories always keep me up at — Read More

Oh, booze.

**BOOK UPDATE** My novel is out in the world again, searching for a publishing house to call home. Wish it luck. On another note, who feels like a drink? Thanks to Shortlist.com, I got to know the drinking habits of some famous authors. If you are too lazy to click on the link (after all, — Read More

Thirteen Writing Prompts — by Dan Wiencek

This was originally published in 2006, but I just discovered it over on McSweeney’s. As I finish my book revisions, I’ve been thinking about having some fun with writing prompts to get the creative juices going for a new project. Maybe I should try one of these. Ha. “Thirteen Writing Prompts” by Dan Wiencek 1. — Read More

David Mitchell on how to write: “Neglect everything else”

I like David Mitchell. He’s one of the greatest novelists alive right now. He’s best known for Cloud Atlas, but I really loved Number9Dream. So, when I saw he had a little chat with The Atlantic , I had to read it. You can read the whole thing here. Here’s some of what he had — Read More

Daily routines of famous writers, part 2

I’m weirdly fascinated when I read about the daily routines of writers. I guess I’m curious to see if my routines are similar or different. I’m looking for the key to writing a good novel. I always come to the same conclusion: there is no magical ritual, there is no one way to write. Still, — Read More

Just keep swimming

That’s what I think of when I’m struggling with writing–just keep swimming, just keep swimming. You know, from “Finding Nemo.” If you don’t know, you should watch that movie. That one little phrase has helped me get through hard weeks at work, a week-long trek through the High Sierras, half marathons, and now this book — Read More

Muse, I don’t have time to wait for you.

I’m writing this post as a means to procrastinate. I’m trudging along through my book revision and I have a very intense chapter to write today. With that in mind, I did every errand I could think of. And now here I am, blogging. I swear I will open the dreaded Word document right after — Read More