This post may sound contradictory to my last “push through rejection and keep writing” post, but I don’t see it that way. It could be a footnote to that post, or a part 2. If part 1 was “keep going,” part 2 is, “but don’t quit your day job.” When I was in my early twenties, I — Read More
Category: Writing Process
On rejection
If someone told me they wanted to be a writer, I would say, “Ok, I hope you’re good with rejection.” It’s funny how writers are some of the most sensitive people and publishing is such a harsh, brutally blunt industry. Some fun facts: Robert M. Pirsig received 121 rejections of his book Zen and the Art — Read More
Resolutions.
Yesterday, I went to a yoga class and the owner of the studio asked if I had any resolutions for 2015. I was stumped. I don’t really do resolutions. I kind of just tackle new goals as they come up. Maybe this relates to me having a hard time seeing the big picture, the proverbial forest — Read More
Big news: I got a book deal!
It’s an almost-Christmas miracle, everyone! Actually, I’ve had the news for a while, but I was expecting someone important (my agent, my editor, my publishing house, God) to say, “JUST KIDDING, SUCKER!” That has not happened, yet, so I’m pretty sure this is real. How it all happened is both a short and long story. — Read More
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