I just finished reading Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Writers on How and Why They Do What They Do. I’d recommend it, mostly because proceeds go to 826 National, a nonprofit dedicated to writing and tutoring centers. I didn’t think the entries were all that compelling. In fact, my favorite part was the introduction by — Read More
Category: Writing Process
Vintage photos of writers writing
I just saw this slideshow on Huffington Post and had to share my favorites. Captions by me. Dorothy Parker “Hmm, I really don’t remember writing this last night. Whelp, it’s pretty good.” Mark Twain Philip Roth William Faulkner Edith Wharton There are a total of 13 photos in the Huffington Post slideshow. Check it out.
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
100 days later.
Remember when I said I’d write every day for 100 days? You might not remember. I kind of buried the commitment at the end of a post. This was at the end of January. Well, lo and behold, it’s 100 days later and I was successful…well mostly. I wrote every day except for FOUR. Two — Read More
When books become movies
Is anyone else excited to see The Great Gatsby? I am. Well, I’m a mix of excited and nervous. I absolutely LOVE the book and I’m not sure the movie can measure up to all the scenes I’ve imagined in my head while reading the book. I have hope because there have been some great — Read More
A genius or a fraud?
My “write every day for 100 days” challenge ends at the beginning of May, so I’ve got less than a month to go. I’m doing really well. I’ve got a lot of pages and I feel pretty confident about them…most of the time. I’ve noticed that when I go back to read pages, I think — Read More
I write because…
…I’ve got stories to tell. …I have fears and fantasies to explore. …It’s something that’s all my own. …I have to. …My imagination needs an outlet. …It’s the one hobby I’ve had since I was a little kid. …It’s the most efficient way to clear my mind. …Some teachers encouraged me along the way. …My — Read More
Writers and their ailments
You probably thought this post would be about something like the anguish of writer’s block. But, no. I’m talking about actual ailments. Dr. John J. Ross of Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital wrote a book called Shakespeare’s Tremor and Orwell’s Cough: The Medical Lives of Famous Writers. It’s a fascinating look at how diseases and — Read More
Why it’s good to write when you’re busy
I used to daydream of a writing life that was consumed with just that–writing. I’d have no distractions or other obligations. This hilarious, idealistic goal fell by the wayside when I realized I have to make money, sustain relationships, that kind of thing. And let’s not forget the endless list of errands (and I don’t — 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