The Writing Life
Powerful 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
Read MoreA Writer’s Lament
In Rebecca Drake’s wonderful suspense novel, Only Ever You, there’s an interchange over dinner between Jill, the protagonist, and an older partner at her husband’s law firm. He inquires as to what she does, and she tells him she’s a photographer. He says that must be “fun.”
Read MoreFiction Writers Get to Play Pretend Part II
So last week, I confessed that one of my fantasy dream jobs as a kid was becoming an advice columnist. My passion for dance took me in a different direction, but
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