The Writing Life
What’s In a Name?
I’d barely unpacked my bags for my first grad school residency when I heard about one of the most revered teachers and mentors in the program, an accomplished horror author. “He’s brutal in his critiques,” an upperclassman informed me, “but if you survive, he’ll help you become a really good writer.” He paused and said, “You’ll never get…
Read MoreThe Other Reason Authors Write Series Books
I’ve been working on revisions of my third YA novel, Gone. This process can, of course, go on for weeks and months.
Read MorePowerful Writing Advice from Donald Maass
My writer’s group takes turns leading mini-workshops on aspects of fiction writing. Recently, it was my turn. The subject was upping the stakes in our stories. When I re-read Donald Maass’s chapter on stakes from his outstanding WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL,
Read MoreExceptions to Novel Writing Advice
When I got to grad school, one of the first things impressed upon me was that if I wanted to write novels, I needed to pay careful attention to character development.
Read MoreAbout Those New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions have always struck me as psychic downers-in-the-making. Sure, I’d love to lose ten pounds.
Read MoreAnother Writer’s Lament
When the artistic director of the company I danced with for several seasons was displeased with how we were performing her choreography, she would scream at us across the studio,
Read MoreWriting May Be a Solitary Occupation, But …
Even before I tried writing a novel myself, I was fascinated by authors who wrote them. Curious about the folks writers regarded as their inspirations or helpmates along their journey toward publication, I invariably read the acknowledgements’ page
Read MoreWhy Do You Write Such Dark Stuff?
It’s not that my YA characters aren’t sometimes funny or snarky. But I have to admit that my books, like those of many contemporary YA novelists, tend toward the dark side. It isn’t only the murders
Read MoreSo What Do You Do All Day?
Richard Johnson, the lovely man who helps me with my website, suggested that many folks are curious about writers and their work habits. I confess
Read MoreThe Writing Life: A Roller-Coaster Ride
Years ago, when I was still dancing, I began free-lancing for newspapers and magazines. One day, I ran into an acquaintance from college. “Saw your Sunday feature,” she said. “Congratulations.” “Gee, thanks.” “I wrote a story once,” she said, “but
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