To finish a thought from yesterday’s post, I’m not trying to be critical, or imply that true artists won’t doubt themselves. I’m feeling the odd security of coming at this from the “other side” as someone who’s been *good* at a number of things, and only have this one where Read more »
Category Archives: Advice
More Writing Advice (getting started)
Aren’t forums great? I’ll have nothing to write one moment– no burning desire to put any words down, then a simple, innocent question will spark a whole essay I didn’t know wanted out. ~ Case in point: A question recently from someone on her first book, claiming no training in Read more »
Two Randoms
I *loved* this part in the dedication of the book A Curse Dark as Gold: And lastly to my husband, Christopher, for always being there. If I wrote you into a story, no one would believe you were real. The problem with finding something that expresses your thoughts so perfectly Read more »
RAFTS
What do you call that texting shorthand that relies heavily on abbreviations (RU OK?) and initials (BTW/KWIM)? I just came up with one I think is original, and whether or not it is, it is supremely appropriate for me: RAFTS As in, Random Advice From a Total Stranger. The internet Read more »
Advice from the Unqualified
Have you ever thought about how, technically, people at the same level as you are not qualified to give you advice? Take parenting, for example. I’ve offered quite a bit of random advice here, all written down because I expect it to be useful (to someone… sometime… somewhere…) but if Read more »
Never Save Anything for Your Next Book
That is a point emphasized in one of the bossiest and most point-by-point practical books I’ve read on novel-writing. You Can Write a Novel by James V. Smith Jr. He approaches the process from a strictly utilitarian point of view; if you are hoping to be published, think in those Read more »
Opposites may Attract, but it’s Similarities that Stregthen
So many comedies (and couples) are build on the premise that “opposites attract” and all its derivatives. While that may be useful for awkward comedic situations (and any number of marriages) I tend to agree with Neil Clark Warren in this thing (not, for example, his “distancing himself” from Focus Read more »
Explaining Boycott to Children
I will leave names out, but a while back my husband suggested we join the boycott of a particular business because of some issues they were supporting. The next time my girls asked to visit the place, I told them we wouldn’t be going for a while. They of course Advice, Good lines
7 Quick Takes for the New Year
~ ~ 1 ~ ~ Looks like it’s going to be another chilly entry into the new year: -30° and colder since two days after Christmas, and a bunch of highs near -40° through at least next Monday. Anybody whose been complaining about your winter weather can be reminded now: Read more »
Don’t miss it!
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. And even though it’s almost over doesn’t mean it’s ever too late for a thank-you card. ~ I just finished making the cards I’ll be giving out at church tomorrow, so if you’re itching for something nice to say to a church-leader (or his/her long-suffering Read more »
