The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible. ~Vladimir Nabokov
I had this feeling yesterday, I had started a poem months ago. Just a phrase. But when I love how words sound together I save it as a document so I don't forget it. I couldn't stop thinking about this phrase, I knew the words were there just waiting for their cue to open the curtain and appear on stage. And yesterday I gave them their cue and another poem was written. Is it perfect, is it ready for publication? No, not at all but now it's out there and I can refine it until it's ready. Find the courage to just write. Save your words, phrases, sentences in a small notebook or on your computer until you're ready, but don't let fear it's not good enough stop you.
I found this literary journal on my poetry board. Kim is a fellow writer/editor who is accepting submissions until the end of the year.There's no pay yet,just fame. But if you need to finish something and send it off to get your words out there. This may inspire you. It's called Route 66 Magazine and every story needs to have 66 words-no more, no less. I'm going to try, it's just small enough to call it a writing exercise. Today, write a complete story in 66 words. Then submit it. And as Kim says on her blog. Be Fearless. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Soups, Wonderful Soups
“To feel safe and warm on a cold wet night, all you really need is soup.”
Laurie Colwin
And if I can add to that a good book.Here's a link to my soup recipes on the web. I hope to expand soon because I love writing about one of my favorite foods. Soup.
Laurie Colwin
And if I can add to that a good book.Here's a link to my soup recipes on the web. I hope to expand soon because I love writing about one of my favorite foods. Soup.
Small people got no reason...
Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can somehow become great. Mark Twain
Have you ever met someone that made you feel like you can be better than even you imagine? I have been lucky to have many of those people in my life. And then of course there's the ones who shoot down any bit of ambition you dream up. I'm a firm believer in not having those negative people in my life. I want to be surrounded by people who believe in me, even when I don't. Thanks to Michelle for submitting my blog to Priscilla Palmer.
And thanks to Continuum Wellness where I found the list!
These bloggers are positive examples for personal growth and development. Check out a few of them today.Save the list when you need some positive words of encouragement!
Today, write an essay about a path of personal growth you have chosen that led to a positive outcome, write about the naysayers who tried to get you to quit. Now get back to work! You can do it!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Have you ever met someone that made you feel like you can be better than even you imagine? I have been lucky to have many of those people in my life. And then of course there's the ones who shoot down any bit of ambition you dream up. I'm a firm believer in not having those negative people in my life. I want to be surrounded by people who believe in me, even when I don't. Thanks to Michelle for submitting my blog to Priscilla Palmer.
And thanks to Continuum Wellness where I found the list!
These bloggers are positive examples for personal growth and development. Check out a few of them today.Save the list when you need some positive words of encouragement!
Today, write an essay about a path of personal growth you have chosen that led to a positive outcome, write about the naysayers who tried to get you to quit. Now get back to work! You can do it!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, September 28, 2007
Just 15 minutes a day...
There is no perfect time to write. There is only now.
- Barbara Kingsolver
Maybe you're not on a writing schedule, maybe you only write when you are inspired, or maybe you say you don't have time to write. I hear that one alot when I tell people I'm a writer. "I would write but I don't have any time"
My answer, if you wanted to write you would find the time. Could you be a writer writing 15 minutes a day? Or fifteen minutes a week, I think you could if you were consistent, passionate and dedicated for those 15 minutes.
In Barbara DeMarco-Barrett's book Pen on Fire, she addresses women who say they don't have enough time. She also podcasts weekly on "Writers on Writing".
Today, if you've just been an observer and a student of writing, make today your first writing day. Set the timer for fifteen minutes and write about what you would like to accomplish as a writer in 2007. If you've been writing daily, write about why you continue to write. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- Barbara Kingsolver
Maybe you're not on a writing schedule, maybe you only write when you are inspired, or maybe you say you don't have time to write. I hear that one alot when I tell people I'm a writer. "I would write but I don't have any time"
My answer, if you wanted to write you would find the time. Could you be a writer writing 15 minutes a day? Or fifteen minutes a week, I think you could if you were consistent, passionate and dedicated for those 15 minutes.
In Barbara DeMarco-Barrett's book Pen on Fire, she addresses women who say they don't have enough time. She also podcasts weekly on "Writers on Writing".
Today, if you've just been an observer and a student of writing, make today your first writing day. Set the timer for fifteen minutes and write about what you would like to accomplish as a writer in 2007. If you've been writing daily, write about why you continue to write. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Blogger's Against Abuse Day
Today September 27th, BlogCatalog has designated as Blogger's Against Abuse Day.And sadly the list of abuses one could blog about are staggering.But I chose to blog about animal abuse because to me animals are so vulnerable and love so unconditionally.
Everyday I write my constant companion is my chocolate lab, her full name is Mocha Frappachino's Cocoa McBean. We call her Cocoa.If you've met her you know she's sweet, loving, a hard-worker (she's been bringing in two papers every day since she was six-months old-she's now eight) and always a source of enjoyment.And yes she's my child in a furry brown suit.
If you have a dog, a cat or any family pet I'm sure you can relate. Yet, everyday these sweet, loving animals are abused.I don't want to see the pictures of abuse, it is often too hard to look at them. But everyday, animals are burned,kicked,beaten,tortured, starved and put into fights.
What can you do about it?
*Well for one, if you ever see any evidence of abuse report it to your local humane society.Don't assume someone else will do it. Animals have no voice. They're depending on you.
*Support programs that really give the money to the prevention of animal abuse. This may take a little research and you can ask your vet for help.
*Sponsor a animal at the ASPCA's website.
*Spay and neuter your pet. It's the responsible pet owner's duty.
*If you know you don't have the time or the money for a pet, don't get one. Animals cost thousands of dollars a year to raise and feed and keep healthy.
*If you do have the time and the money choose a pet through a local shelter.
*Lobby for animal rights.
Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it.
David Sedaris, interview in Louisville Courier-Journal, June 5, 2005
David Sedaris, interview in Louisville Courier-Journal, June 5, 2005
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Monkeys Rule my desk
I love being a writer. What I can't stand is the paperwork.
~ Peter De Vries
Is it just me or does paper/stuff seem to multiply? ok I have a bit of a clutter problem. And I'm always working on it and yes, I've read all the books...and I know how to fix it, and I feel better when everything is put away...and yet this morning on my desk is.
My sunglasses I couldn't find when I hiked yesterday, the newest Cooking Light, The Sun (my favorite literary mag), a book on Photoshop, a new to me writing craft book, Story Structure Architect,Flip Dictionary,(excellent reference for poetry writing and writing in general) a dusting cloth (I'm trying), eight or so pens, at least fifteen misc. pieces of paper, two coffee cups, Egyptian Magic (all purpose skin cream),my monkeys rule! ruler (my sister just gave me, my laptop, my desktop computer, my ipod shuffle (i named it Bart because it's orange), deposit tickets for work, my American Express card, all this in a 3' x 2' desk (measured with my monkeys rule ruler (thanks Koo). When I'm done here I'll put it all away and then two days later...miraculously it's back.
My conclusion...forget the dust bunnies the monkeys have taken over.
I spent the time yesterday decluttering my inbox and thanks Lillie, I'll go look for your post on controlling email.
Today, pick something on your desk that shouldn't be there and write about it for thirty minutes. And if you don't have any clutter on your desk, write a comment and tell me how you keep the monkeys from taking over. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monkeys Rule!
~ Peter De Vries
Is it just me or does paper/stuff seem to multiply? ok I have a bit of a clutter problem. And I'm always working on it and yes, I've read all the books...and I know how to fix it, and I feel better when everything is put away...and yet this morning on my desk is.
My sunglasses I couldn't find when I hiked yesterday, the newest Cooking Light, The Sun (my favorite literary mag), a book on Photoshop, a new to me writing craft book, Story Structure Architect,Flip Dictionary,(excellent reference for poetry writing and writing in general) a dusting cloth (I'm trying), eight or so pens, at least fifteen misc. pieces of paper, two coffee cups, Egyptian Magic (all purpose skin cream),my monkeys rule! ruler (my sister just gave me, my laptop, my desktop computer, my ipod shuffle (i named it Bart because it's orange), deposit tickets for work, my American Express card, all this in a 3' x 2' desk (measured with my monkeys rule ruler (thanks Koo). When I'm done here I'll put it all away and then two days later...miraculously it's back.
My conclusion...forget the dust bunnies the monkeys have taken over.
I spent the time yesterday decluttering my inbox and thanks Lillie, I'll go look for your post on controlling email.
Today, pick something on your desk that shouldn't be there and write about it for thirty minutes. And if you don't have any clutter on your desk, write a comment and tell me how you keep the monkeys from taking over. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monkeys Rule!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Winning is great!
Thanks to all who voted and to Writer Unboxed for their fun contest! Thanks also goes to the editors at Writer's Digest for donating the five Writer's Market books for the contest.
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
No More Bacon Please.
"Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon."
Doug Larson
I just found out that all the newsletters and emails you sign up for that clog your inbox are called BACON. As opposed to SPAM which you didn't sign up for. Because I get so much bacon every day I'm starting to unsubscribe to the catalogues, newsletters, etc. Sure at one time I wanted to know about the gardening catalogue specials but four different gardening catalogues with daily/weekly bulb specials? and yes I ordered flowers a few times from you and didn't uncheck the box so now I get daily emails about ordering more flowers. Even something as simple as reading email can distract from your daily writing work.Here's what I want to read in my inbox. Acceptances, rejections (shows I'm trying),email from friends/family and bacon that's informative like The Writers Almanac.
There are many more writing newsletters that I look forward to but because I'm a big fan of poetry and Garrison Keillor, I love receiving new poems and facts about writers that I might not ever find on my own. I'd like to thank whomever told me about this site but I can't remember...maybe Lauri or Deborah? Thanks friends!
Today, I'm taking one hour to declutter my inbox. Organizing emails into folders I will want to look at again, unsubscribing from newsletters I don't read, and deleting emails I'll never need to look at. You can do the same, we'll need all the free space for our influx of acceptances/rejections after the October Submissionathon. Now get back to work!
Lovingly and five Writer's Market books richer,
The Writing Nag
Doug Larson
I just found out that all the newsletters and emails you sign up for that clog your inbox are called BACON. As opposed to SPAM which you didn't sign up for. Because I get so much bacon every day I'm starting to unsubscribe to the catalogues, newsletters, etc. Sure at one time I wanted to know about the gardening catalogue specials but four different gardening catalogues with daily/weekly bulb specials? and yes I ordered flowers a few times from you and didn't uncheck the box so now I get daily emails about ordering more flowers. Even something as simple as reading email can distract from your daily writing work.Here's what I want to read in my inbox. Acceptances, rejections (shows I'm trying),email from friends/family and bacon that's informative like The Writers Almanac.
There are many more writing newsletters that I look forward to but because I'm a big fan of poetry and Garrison Keillor, I love receiving new poems and facts about writers that I might not ever find on my own. I'd like to thank whomever told me about this site but I can't remember...maybe Lauri or Deborah? Thanks friends!
Today, I'm taking one hour to declutter my inbox. Organizing emails into folders I will want to look at again, unsubscribing from newsletters I don't read, and deleting emails I'll never need to look at. You can do the same, we'll need all the free space for our influx of acceptances/rejections after the October Submissionathon. Now get back to work!
Lovingly and five Writer's Market books richer,
The Writing Nag
Monday, September 24, 2007
Nighttime is the best time
Nighttime is really the best time to work. All the ideas are there to be yours because everyone else is asleep.
Catherine O'Hara
What is the best time to write? Many authors swear by the early morning hours while others find nighttime is best. At 3:30 this morning when I couldn't sleep I got up and wrote. No interruptions, no emails just quiet time. And while I would have rather been sleeping, I got a lot accomplished. But this morning my post will suffer, I'm tired.
Today, write about sleep without using the word sleep...try these words catnap, dreamland, hibernate, snooze, siesta. Lull your readers to slumber or write about a dream.If you choose write a poem about sleeping on a train. Now get back to sleep I mean work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Stalking a woman in the tea aisle
"Young readers often think of description as the parts that they can skip. Naive as that may be, that impulse recognizes something crucial-- the parts where the colors of the arroyo or the burnished glow of the furniture are described do not seem quite as . . . . But the creation of the physical world is as crucial to your story as action and dialogue. If your readers can be made to see the glove without fingers or the crumpled yellow tissue, the scene becomes vivid. Readers become present. Touch, sound, taste, and smell make reader feel as if their own fingers are pressing the sticky windowsill. . . . Whatever you're describing, readers need a clear visual image. However, too much visual information is confusing. The mind loses track easily. A brown Naugahyde chair with a long gash in its seat can establish an interior. Big nostrils can make a person. Give one vivid detail, and readers will build the rest." --Jerome Stern, Making Shapely Fiction
I haven't talked about "smell" in writing and yet "smell" is a sense and if you're missing it in your details so are your readers.
My aunt Marge wore Tabu and last week I ran into the supermarket to pick up a few things and got stopped cold in the tea aisle. Someone was wearing Tabu. I stood behind the woman breathing in the spicy, evocative fragrance of roses, amber, musk, jasmine and the memories came flooding back. I tried not to stalk her but the more I smelled the perfume the more memories came. My aunt was an amazing, wonderful woman who added so many good times to my childhood but that's another story or a hundred essays. The point is just that one whiff of perfume and I'm back there.
Today, think about smells that could add one more dimension to your writing, and if you're a food writer that goes without saying. Write about food smells that could be story starters. Maybe it's the smell of an overripe banana or Fritos that brings up childhood cafeteria memories. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I haven't talked about "smell" in writing and yet "smell" is a sense and if you're missing it in your details so are your readers.
My aunt Marge wore Tabu and last week I ran into the supermarket to pick up a few things and got stopped cold in the tea aisle. Someone was wearing Tabu. I stood behind the woman breathing in the spicy, evocative fragrance of roses, amber, musk, jasmine and the memories came flooding back. I tried not to stalk her but the more I smelled the perfume the more memories came. My aunt was an amazing, wonderful woman who added so many good times to my childhood but that's another story or a hundred essays. The point is just that one whiff of perfume and I'm back there.
Today, think about smells that could add one more dimension to your writing, and if you're a food writer that goes without saying. Write about food smells that could be story starters. Maybe it's the smell of an overripe banana or Fritos that brings up childhood cafeteria memories. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Allow the mistakes...and create great art.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams
I think so many times we don't allow ourselves the mistakes. And that is a problem because we can get too complacent and our writing and/or or art can suffer. Are we safe writers who write for an audience? or are we writing the stories that we really want to tell? Sometimes that can be scary. What if we wrote those stories and they didn't work? You will know.
Today, push yourself as a writer write some experimental poetry or freewrite for 30 minutes about what you have learned from your mistakes. Take a walk around your neighborhood for twenty minutes and then write for twenty minutes about the first thing that comes to your head. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I think so many times we don't allow ourselves the mistakes. And that is a problem because we can get too complacent and our writing and/or or art can suffer. Are we safe writers who write for an audience? or are we writing the stories that we really want to tell? Sometimes that can be scary. What if we wrote those stories and they didn't work? You will know.
Today, push yourself as a writer write some experimental poetry or freewrite for 30 minutes about what you have learned from your mistakes. Take a walk around your neighborhood for twenty minutes and then write for twenty minutes about the first thing that comes to your head. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, September 21, 2007
Why vote for me?
A handy dandy link for voting for pythong.
Remember voting ends this Sunday and you can only vote once!
The Submissionathon starts in October, having the Writer's Market books would be a great advantage, I'm a struggling, fledgling poet/writer, saving just the $30 on the Poets Market would make my day/week/year. Thanks for your vote. Karma is a wonderful thing, so is getting out the word about PYTHONG!
Remember voting ends this Sunday and you can only vote once!
The Submissionathon starts in October, having the Writer's Market books would be a great advantage, I'm a struggling, fledgling poet/writer, saving just the $30 on the Poets Market would make my day/week/year. Thanks for your vote. Karma is a wonderful thing, so is getting out the word about PYTHONG!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Writing Short, Lean and Pointed
"You learn by writing short stories. Keep writing short stories. The money's in novels, but writing short stories keeps your writing lean and pointed."
--Larry Niven
I'm been so enamored with poetry lately that my short story writing has suffered. I still think about working on them but poems are short and quickly written and easily submitted. But I love the short story genre, as you know if you're a regular reader. The problem is many of my shorts grow and I've had many a writing teacher say "this needs to be a chapter in a novel."
How to write a short story?Start here.
Today, write an outline for a short story, or come up with an idea that you can work on later. Better yet, start a notebook or a journal for all of your ideas, so when you have the time to write you have a starting point. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
--Larry Niven
I'm been so enamored with poetry lately that my short story writing has suffered. I still think about working on them but poems are short and quickly written and easily submitted. But I love the short story genre, as you know if you're a regular reader. The problem is many of my shorts grow and I've had many a writing teacher say "this needs to be a chapter in a novel."
How to write a short story?Start here.
Today, write an outline for a short story, or come up with an idea that you can work on later. Better yet, start a notebook or a journal for all of your ideas, so when you have the time to write you have a starting point. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
List, list, everywhere a list
“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Albert Einstein
Sung to the tune Sign "sign, sign, everywhere a sign" See video for a seventies flashback.
I am a list maker, so when I saw Karen Rizzo's book Things to Bring, S#!T to Do... and other inventories of anxiety
I immediately picked it up. The cool part about it is she was able to bring an integral part of her life to print. How many of you make lists? It is amazing that with lists and line drawings it is such an interesting read. Watch the video as she reads some of her book.
Today, make a fictional list that could tell a story. And then make a list of stuff to do to get ready for October's Submissionathon. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
A handy dandy link for voting for PYTHONG.
Remember voting ends this Sunday and you can only vote once!
Albert Einstein
Sung to the tune Sign "sign, sign, everywhere a sign" See video for a seventies flashback.
I am a list maker, so when I saw Karen Rizzo's book Things to Bring, S#!T to Do... and other inventories of anxiety
I immediately picked it up. The cool part about it is she was able to bring an integral part of her life to print. How many of you make lists? It is amazing that with lists and line drawings it is such an interesting read. Watch the video as she reads some of her book.
Today, make a fictional list that could tell a story. And then make a list of stuff to do to get ready for October's Submissionathon. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
A handy dandy link for voting for PYTHONG.
Remember voting ends this Sunday and you can only vote once!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Spunk And Bite-"the intensely right word"
A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or a newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt. Mark Twain
Spunk & Bite: A writer's guide to punchier, more engaging language & style
I admit it, I'm addicted to craft books. I love reading about writing and although I really need to pare down my collection I broke down on Saturday and bought this book by Arthur Plotnik. I'm on chapter 4, Writers Words, Drop by Dottle. A concise chapter about enriching and increasing your writers vocabulary. As Mr. Twain so eloquently put it the right word is a powerful agent.Mr. Plotnik recommends using the internet word-a-day sources such as The Word Spy and A.Word.A.Day. A fun site I just discovered is My Favorite Word, mostly because I thought I was one of few so nerdy to have favorite words. It may surprise you that there are loads of us nerdy word lovers. You can add your favorite word and discover new ones on this site.
Today, find ten new words on the Internet or in your favorite thesaurus, The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is recommended, and use these words in a page or two of vernal longhand. Now get back to pursuit!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Spunk & Bite: A writer's guide to punchier, more engaging language & style
I admit it, I'm addicted to craft books. I love reading about writing and although I really need to pare down my collection I broke down on Saturday and bought this book by Arthur Plotnik. I'm on chapter 4, Writers Words, Drop by Dottle. A concise chapter about enriching and increasing your writers vocabulary. As Mr. Twain so eloquently put it the right word is a powerful agent.Mr. Plotnik recommends using the internet word-a-day sources such as The Word Spy and A.Word.A.Day. A fun site I just discovered is My Favorite Word, mostly because I thought I was one of few so nerdy to have favorite words. It may surprise you that there are loads of us nerdy word lovers. You can add your favorite word and discover new ones on this site.
Today, find ten new words on the Internet or in your favorite thesaurus, The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is recommended, and use these words in a page or two of vernal longhand. Now get back to pursuit!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Selling Online with Ashop Commerce
Shopping card software does not have to be difficult. After researching many options, I'm taking a second look at Ashop Commerce. Their website states that "Ashop commerce is a leading provider of hosted shopping cart software." And they offer a complete solution for merchants to sell online.
Their website is easy to navigate, and they have many samples on their website. And the best part is that they offer a 10 day free trial to try out their services without a credit card. They also offer other services like logo design, home page design, and website design. If you're like me just getting started with selling items online, you need a reliable company that understands the needs of a flegling small business. Too many companies assume you know all about this stuff and I'm still learning. Why not use a company that gives you six great reasons. Affordability, ease of use, support and customer service, design and total solution.When I choose a ecommerce company I want one that won an award for “best technology in small business”.
Their website is easy to navigate, and they have many samples on their website. And the best part is that they offer a 10 day free trial to try out their services without a credit card. They also offer other services like logo design, home page design, and website design. If you're like me just getting started with selling items online, you need a reliable company that understands the needs of a flegling small business. Too many companies assume you know all about this stuff and I'm still learning. Why not use a company that gives you six great reasons. Affordability, ease of use, support and customer service, design and total solution.When I choose a ecommerce company I want one that won an award for “best technology in small business”.
Written in absolutely perfect fashion
The story I am writing exists, written in absolutely perfect fashion, some place, in the air. All I must do is find it, and copy it. ~Jules Renard, "Diary," February 1895
How many times have you felt that, that a story is just beyond reach? If you are writing daily you may have discovered that it is coming easier to you. Writer's Block is becoming as mythical as the Abominable Snowman. Or maybe you just started writing and it is still a daily struggle.
There is a story or many stories inside each of us. There are poems and paintings and creative works that are just beyond our reach. How to access them is the question. I think most people give up to easily. In our society of instant gratification, it's difficult for writers to think they have to put in the hard daily work to be successful. I sat next to one writer last year at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. She wrote a children's story and was given a lot of positive feedback at the previous years conference. When she submitted she got many rejections and that was it for her. Her whole writing career was over. She was back at the conference but she wasn't writing anymore.
That's it? One story and that's it. That's where perseverance pays off, she is done because of a few rejections where I keep going because of a few rejections. Where do you fit in?
Today, write a poem about rejection. Is it positive or negative? How does rejection fit into your writing life. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
How many times have you felt that, that a story is just beyond reach? If you are writing daily you may have discovered that it is coming easier to you. Writer's Block is becoming as mythical as the Abominable Snowman. Or maybe you just started writing and it is still a daily struggle.
There is a story or many stories inside each of us. There are poems and paintings and creative works that are just beyond our reach. How to access them is the question. I think most people give up to easily. In our society of instant gratification, it's difficult for writers to think they have to put in the hard daily work to be successful. I sat next to one writer last year at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. She wrote a children's story and was given a lot of positive feedback at the previous years conference. When she submitted she got many rejections and that was it for her. Her whole writing career was over. She was back at the conference but she wasn't writing anymore.
That's it? One story and that's it. That's where perseverance pays off, she is done because of a few rejections where I keep going because of a few rejections. Where do you fit in?
Today, write a poem about rejection. Is it positive or negative? How does rejection fit into your writing life. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, September 17, 2007
Glint of Light on Broken Glass
Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. ~Anton Chekhov
Another quote on "show don't tell" this one by Anton Chekhov, one of the great masters of the modern short story. If you are a short story writer and haven't read his work, it might be time to go back and read at least one.
The modern short story emphasizes characterization and mood over plot.By reading a classic story by Anton Chekhov you can see how this was the beginning of the movement.In my Raymond Carver post there is a link to an essay about the similarities between Anton Chekhov and Raymond Carver. If you haven't read it, it is a good read.
Today, read some of your recent work...could it be improved by showing your reader more with dialogue and action?
If you need more help with this concept try this link. If you need even more help read The Eavesdrop Writer's blog, read how a story develops with little more than action and dialogue. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Another quote on "show don't tell" this one by Anton Chekhov, one of the great masters of the modern short story. If you are a short story writer and haven't read his work, it might be time to go back and read at least one.
The modern short story emphasizes characterization and mood over plot.By reading a classic story by Anton Chekhov you can see how this was the beginning of the movement.In my Raymond Carver post there is a link to an essay about the similarities between Anton Chekhov and Raymond Carver. If you haven't read it, it is a good read.
Today, read some of your recent work...could it be improved by showing your reader more with dialogue and action?
If you need more help with this concept try this link. If you need even more help read The Eavesdrop Writer's blog, read how a story develops with little more than action and dialogue. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, September 16, 2007
How to become a better writer in 30 days
Read, read, read. Read everything - trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window.
~ William Faulkner
This morning I saw an interesting group writing project on Blue Jar.
Since I write daily about "writing daily" I thought my list should be a compilation of everything I write about at The Writing Nag.
How to become a "better" writer in 30 days
1. Take Mr. Faulkner's advice and read, read, read.
2. Clean up the clutter on your desk and in your mind.
3. Write daily about things you are passionate about.
4. Never stop learning, take a class, study the craft, find a mentor.
5. Increase your vocabulary.
6. Find a good critique group that will support your dream.
7. Learn how to take constructive criticism and praise.
8. Take yourself seriously but don't lose your sense of humor.
9. Submit, submit, submit.
10.Don't give up after 30 days. Persistence is key!
Today, write your own list and how you can improve as a writer in the next 30 days! Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
~ William Faulkner
This morning I saw an interesting group writing project on Blue Jar.
Since I write daily about "writing daily" I thought my list should be a compilation of everything I write about at The Writing Nag.
How to become a "better" writer in 30 days
1. Take Mr. Faulkner's advice and read, read, read.
2. Clean up the clutter on your desk and in your mind.
3. Write daily about things you are passionate about.
4. Never stop learning, take a class, study the craft, find a mentor.
5. Increase your vocabulary.
6. Find a good critique group that will support your dream.
7. Learn how to take constructive criticism and praise.
8. Take yourself seriously but don't lose your sense of humor.
9. Submit, submit, submit.
10.Don't give up after 30 days. Persistence is key!
Today, write your own list and how you can improve as a writer in the next 30 days! Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Maybe I Have An Edge?
The ablest writer is only a gardener first, and then a cook: his tasks are, carefully to select and cultivate his strongest and most nutritive thoughts; and when they are ripe, to dress them, wholesomely, and yet so that they may have a relish. ~Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers, 1827
As an avid gardener and a chef I loved this quote.
I have always thought that daily writing is very similar to gardening. Planting seeds, watering, weeding, and then a yearly harvest. When we moved to Colorado eight years ago, I never imagined having such a beautiful garden what we did have in the back yard was a concrete sidewalk and not much else...and it wasn't easy, but all the years of hard work have definitely paid off. And the more I learn about gardening in the high desert, the less mistakes I make and the better the garden is. That's what I believe daily writing does for a writer.
Going back daily to your writing means you are paying attention, you see the weeds and you pull them, you see what works and what doesn't, you find what words you can use, words you never thought of before, you find variety, short sentences, long sentences, you find commitment and patience and passion for your body of work.
Today, write about how you have grown as a writer in the last year or in the last five years. Can you see how a practice of daily writing can improve you and your work? If you don't have a writing history, take a snapshot of yourself as a writer today and check back in six months, after committing to the habit of daily writing. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, September 14, 2007
Food Writing
"The primary requisite for writing well about food is a good appetite."
A. J. Liebling
...and a love of food, anything about food, it's history, the stories behind it, the traditions. My new, in the last few months food writing gig is at Garden and Hearth, I write here about Italian Cooking. I also write at Live Holistically on healthy recipes/food. As a chef I have been cooking for more than fifteen years but I can't seem to get my passion for food down on paper. My critique buddy loaned me a copy of The New Yorker's food issue, which is always a favorite and a long term goal for publication. How do people write so eloquently about food?
Years ago, my sister gave me a small book of food essays by Teresa Lust. In Pass the Polenta, Theresa Lust writes so clearly and passionately about food that when I'm reading I'm also trying to figure out when I can cook the recipe that week. I hope to one day write half as well.
Today, write about a food memory that would have your reader reaching for the saute pan, the mixing bowl, or the cookie sheet. This may be a good start for a food essay, a poem or a short story. Now get to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Celebrate Writing.
Forget all the rules. Forget about being published. Write for yourself and celebrate writing.
Melinda Haynes
Yesterday I was at a grant writing class for Pikes Peak Writers. So I missed my morning blog entry. It was a good class, full of useful information but after 8 hours of it, I couldn't even think about getting on the computer and writing.I agree with Melinda Haynes about forgetting all the rules and writing for yourself...to a point.In the beginning, I wrote for myself. There are notebooks full of writings that no one will ever see and for good reason...it's practice. But at some point I think publication is important. Why? I've spent years learning my craft, taking classes, reading books, practicing, being critiqued by fellow writers, why stop there. Well for some people they never intend for publication to be their ultimate goal. They write poetry for friends and family. They might write stories for themselves. This isn't enough for me, I need public recognition and acknowlegement...I want people to say here's fame and fortune you have worked hard for this. To me writing and never intending it to be published is like the cabinet makers apprentice who never goes on to build his own piece of furniture.
Today, list ten reasons why you write for publication instead of for yourself. Post it by your computer or in your notebook where you will see it every day as you write. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Thanks Mom!
"When I was a child, my mother said to me, 'If you become a soldier, you'll be a general. If you become a monk you'll end up as the pope.' Instead I became a painter and wound up as Picasso."
-- Pablo Picasso
My mom reads my blog, everyday...and when I haven't written and I talk to her she says "you haven't written today" and then I sit down and write.Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder that you are making progress and your words are being read.
So thanks mom! Today, think about your...your friends, family, online writing buddies, critique group, how have they supported you? And then sit down and write them a letter, a real letter on paper...with ink. Remember those? and remember how good it feels to get a real letter in the mail. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Remembering and healing 9/11.
-- Pablo Picasso
My mom reads my blog, everyday...and when I haven't written and I talk to her she says "you haven't written today" and then I sit down and write.Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder that you are making progress and your words are being read.
So thanks mom! Today, think about your...your friends, family, online writing buddies, critique group, how have they supported you? And then sit down and write them a letter, a real letter on paper...with ink. Remember those? and remember how good it feels to get a real letter in the mail. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Remembering and healing 9/11.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Happy, Absorbed and quietly stringing beads
I learned that you should feel when writing, not like Lord Byron on a mountain top, but like a child stringing beads in kindergarten - happy, absorbed and quietly putting one bead on after another.
Brenda Ueland
Absorbed in your writing? that's good. I worry when it becomes too much like a chore or a job. Although sometimes it is. Successful writers are also successful marketers and that can be a little intimidating for me. But luckily for us there are some great fellow writers on the Internet that make it easy. One that comes to mind is C. Hope Clark, aka The Shy Writer. I subscribe to her newsletter, funds for writers, and if you're a writer and you don't you're missing some valuable information. She also has some fantastic ebooks for the beginning writer. What's somewhat unique about fellow writers is that they are really helpful to beginners, they take you by the hand and say don't make the same mistakes I did. Thanks C. Hope Clark I've been a faithful reader for years.
Today, write about a subject that makes you happy and absorbed. Don't set the timer, write as long as you can. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Brenda Ueland
Absorbed in your writing? that's good. I worry when it becomes too much like a chore or a job. Although sometimes it is. Successful writers are also successful marketers and that can be a little intimidating for me. But luckily for us there are some great fellow writers on the Internet that make it easy. One that comes to mind is C. Hope Clark, aka The Shy Writer. I subscribe to her newsletter, funds for writers, and if you're a writer and you don't you're missing some valuable information. She also has some fantastic ebooks for the beginning writer. What's somewhat unique about fellow writers is that they are really helpful to beginners, they take you by the hand and say don't make the same mistakes I did. Thanks C. Hope Clark I've been a faithful reader for years.
Today, write about a subject that makes you happy and absorbed. Don't set the timer, write as long as you can. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Mark Twain-Father of American Literature
The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say. ~Mark Twain
Did you know that Mark Twain was an avid scrapbooker? He also patented his design of "self adhesive" scrapbooks in 1872. If you ever find yourself in Connecticut you can visit his house/museum and learn more about this amazing author.
I love learning pieces of history which is probably another reason I love to write. Research. When you're writing an article those little pieces make the difference between a boring read and an interesting one. That's why in my travels I always pick up the literature and watch the movie at the visitors center. You never know how those tidbits will creep into your writing.
Today, spend about an hour researching a topic you'd love to write about. After you're done with the research...brainstorm...how many different articles could you potentially write about with your hour of research time? It may surprise you. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Make Your Own Circumstances
People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them. ~G.B. Shaw, Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893
I picked this quote today mostly for myself. I can get into the trap of blaming my circumstances and start the downward spiral of self-doubt, fear, and negative self talk. This week I started my application process for going back to college in the spring. It inevitably brought up these messages...you're too old, not smart enough,why did you wait so long, what's that going to do for you? But I will persevere because I've wanted a degree in Creative Writing since I was in high school but at that time I thought it was too impractical. Twenty some years later I still think it might be impractical but now I don't care. I received notice that I won 2nd place in a poetry contest today...I forgot how much I sent out in July/August but that's 3 bits of good news for September and it's only the 8th! After the October Submissionathon there will be lots of good news to share, how's that for positive thinking!
Today, write about the circumstances you would choose for yourself, put aside the circumstances you find yourself in today. Set the timer for 30 minutes and just write! Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, September 7, 2007
In Praise of Raymond Carver
I think a little menace is fine to have in a story. For one thing, it's good for the circulation.
~ Raymond Carver
If you know me personally you know that I am a big fan of Raymond Carver. He was a poet and a short story writer that was born in Oregon. Even though I moved years ago I have a deep connection to Oregon. And yes, I miss the rain. If you have never read his stories or his poems I urge you to find them and read them. He was an American original, this essay by William L. Stull tells his story much better than I could.
Today, write a poem about one aspect of your life that people could relate to.It could be in your past,your present or even your future. And then read some poetry from an American great, Raymond Carver. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
~ Raymond Carver
If you know me personally you know that I am a big fan of Raymond Carver. He was a poet and a short story writer that was born in Oregon. Even though I moved years ago I have a deep connection to Oregon. And yes, I miss the rain. If you have never read his stories or his poems I urge you to find them and read them. He was an American original, this essay by William L. Stull tells his story much better than I could.
Today, write a poem about one aspect of your life that people could relate to.It could be in your past,your present or even your future. And then read some poetry from an American great, Raymond Carver. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Your Chance To Win Fantastic Writing Books!
“It should be the thing never to mention unfairness of judging when defeated in a contest.” Sir Robert Baden-Powell
Ok, I admit it I wrote todays title with the voice of a game show host.Because it's the second contest I wrote about this week but it's a fun one I ran across and if you're reading this blog I'm guessing you write or just love writers...anyhoo. The prizes are $150. worth of writing books and the contest is inventing a word or words and submitting them by September 14th. Read more about it at Writer Unboxed. And no entry fee!
Today, I wanted to write about writing contests, specifically should you enter them and are they fair? I think writing contests are a great way to get your name out there even if the prizes are low. I use contests as marketing tools if they allow winners to post a biography on their website. I also use contests to push myself, if you need a deadline what better motivation than to have someone tell you your entry must be in by a certain date. But here's what I don't enter.
*Contests where everyone wins but you must pay huge amounts of money to get the book where your "winning poem or story" is listed. i.e. Vanity Contests. I still see so many writers falling for this one, I thought I needed to mention it again. I think Winning Writers does a great job of weeding out contests for you, and they even list free poetry contests with real money prizes. So I have subscribed to this newsletter for years.
*Contests where the winning prize is low. $100. But the entry fees are high. $25.
*Contests that never end because the company has set extremely high goals. Contest ends when we receive 20,000 entries at $10 per entry.
*Contests at new websites that have no history.
Today, look for a contest that could motivate you in your daily writing. I'm working on 2 this week. Now get back to work! And good luck.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Ok, I admit it I wrote todays title with the voice of a game show host.Because it's the second contest I wrote about this week but it's a fun one I ran across and if you're reading this blog I'm guessing you write or just love writers...anyhoo. The prizes are $150. worth of writing books and the contest is inventing a word or words and submitting them by September 14th. Read more about it at Writer Unboxed. And no entry fee!
Today, I wanted to write about writing contests, specifically should you enter them and are they fair? I think writing contests are a great way to get your name out there even if the prizes are low. I use contests as marketing tools if they allow winners to post a biography on their website. I also use contests to push myself, if you need a deadline what better motivation than to have someone tell you your entry must be in by a certain date. But here's what I don't enter.
*Contests where everyone wins but you must pay huge amounts of money to get the book where your "winning poem or story" is listed. i.e. Vanity Contests. I still see so many writers falling for this one, I thought I needed to mention it again. I think Winning Writers does a great job of weeding out contests for you, and they even list free poetry contests with real money prizes. So I have subscribed to this newsletter for years.
*Contests where the winning prize is low. $100. But the entry fees are high. $25.
*Contests that never end because the company has set extremely high goals. Contest ends when we receive 20,000 entries at $10 per entry.
*Contests at new websites that have no history.
Today, look for a contest that could motivate you in your daily writing. I'm working on 2 this week. Now get back to work! And good luck.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Win $4000 in Prizes!
I don't think it is possible to give tips for finding one's voice; it's one of those things for which there aren't really any tricks or shortcuts, or even any advice that necessarily translates from writer to writer. All I can tell you is to write as much as possible.
Poppy Z. Brite
One of the main reasons I started this blog is so I would be compelled to write every day...and I think it has made me a better writer. Like anything you do the more you do it the more you improve so I will continue to write daily.
Over the years of taking writing classes, being a member of critique groups, and just hanging out with writers I have found that most fellow writers have a giving soul...they want to help you succeed and learn from their mistakes.
The blogging community seems to be the same way (for the most part). I really respect graphic artists they make it look so easy, but it's hard work. So check out David's logo design blog and blog yourself an entry. You can even get another entry by subscribing to his RSS feed. Some of the prizes include a WordPress theme design by Nate Hill. A blog review, a blog review with links and images, money from MomGadget and One hour blog optimization consultation with Daniel Scocco of Daily Blog Tips! But there's much, much more!
Today, thank a fellow blogger who has helped you with your writing or has helped you in another way. Blog about it.If you wish send me the link in your comments. Spread the love. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Poppy Z. Brite
One of the main reasons I started this blog is so I would be compelled to write every day...and I think it has made me a better writer. Like anything you do the more you do it the more you improve so I will continue to write daily.
Over the years of taking writing classes, being a member of critique groups, and just hanging out with writers I have found that most fellow writers have a giving soul...they want to help you succeed and learn from their mistakes.
The blogging community seems to be the same way (for the most part). I really respect graphic artists they make it look so easy, but it's hard work. So check out David's logo design blog and blog yourself an entry. You can even get another entry by subscribing to his RSS feed. Some of the prizes include a WordPress theme design by Nate Hill. A blog review, a blog review with links and images, money from MomGadget and One hour blog optimization consultation with Daniel Scocco of Daily Blog Tips! But there's much, much more!
Today, thank a fellow blogger who has helped you with your writing or has helped you in another way. Blog about it.If you wish send me the link in your comments. Spread the love. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Overwhelmed?
"Next time you are feeling overwhelmed remember the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 'The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.'"
Catherine Pulsifer
After vacation, I usually feel overwhelmed. My paperwork/email/snailmail have piled up and I start to think of all the would of/should of/could of's that would have made the transition easier.
This time I'm starting with one acorn. Good news. I received an acceptance for another poem. This time in a print literary journal, that will come out next spring.I'll post more about that when it's out. My other acorn today will be...Call Goddard and find out if my credits will transfer, so I can get ready to go back to school next spring. If so another acorn is planted.
A really wonderful writing teacher said to me "anything worth doing is worth doing imperfectly" sometimes we become so overwhelmed with life that we sit paralyzed and do nothing. Today what can you do to make your life easier? It could be something for your writing life, like cleaning your desk, or organizing your files, or something personal like paying those bills that you have been putting off or getting rid of some clutter. I'm a list person, I like to make little boxes next to my to-do list and check each one off. Today, make a list of 10 things that if completed would make the overwhelmed feeling lessen. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Catherine Pulsifer
After vacation, I usually feel overwhelmed. My paperwork/email/snailmail have piled up and I start to think of all the would of/should of/could of's that would have made the transition easier.
This time I'm starting with one acorn. Good news. I received an acceptance for another poem. This time in a print literary journal, that will come out next spring.I'll post more about that when it's out. My other acorn today will be...Call Goddard and find out if my credits will transfer, so I can get ready to go back to school next spring. If so another acorn is planted.
A really wonderful writing teacher said to me "anything worth doing is worth doing imperfectly" sometimes we become so overwhelmed with life that we sit paralyzed and do nothing. Today what can you do to make your life easier? It could be something for your writing life, like cleaning your desk, or organizing your files, or something personal like paying those bills that you have been putting off or getting rid of some clutter. I'm a list person, I like to make little boxes next to my to-do list and check each one off. Today, make a list of 10 things that if completed would make the overwhelmed feeling lessen. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, September 3, 2007
Happy Labor Day!
Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow. ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You
It's hard for me to take another day off when I've been off all week but it's Labor Day so...it will be another day of hiking, relaxing and enjoying another beautiful day in Colorado Springs. We saw at least twenty hot air balloons this morning from our front yard, part of the Colorado Balloon Classic.
Today, take the day off. You deserve it. One more month to the October Submissionathon, that's a lot of work ahead of you...if you'll be joining me. Now get back to relaxing!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Who Wrote That?
It seems to me that those songs that have been any good, I have nothing much to do with the writing of them. The words have just crawled down my sleeve and came out on the page. ~Joan Baez
I have a great appreciation for song writers/poets. When Joan says "the words crawled down my sleeve and came out on the page" I can really understand that. Has that ever happened to you? There you are just writing, not editing at all and then later, sometimes much later you read your work and say "wow, did I write that?" it seems almost magical how the words came together. It might be one sentence in five pages of work, but that one sentence is so good you almost can't believe you wrote it.
The last few days I have been on vacation with my sister and her husband seeing the sites of Colorado and doing a lot of relaxing. So much relaxing that I haven't done any posting or writing, not any in three days. I must admit it felt freeing not to write, but my mind was always working storing little bits of information away for those times when I need inspiration. We visited three different hot springs, a ghost town, the sand dunes, Estes Park, Breckenridge, Royal Gorge and so many more sites we were having problems remembering everything we did over the last week. Thanks to Matt, I'll have photos as soon as he gets back to the East Coast. Today,think about the times that the words came easy to you. What state of mind were you in...can you recreate that time and write today as if the words are crawling down your sleeve. Now get back to work!
Lovingly and well rested,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Disclosure Policy
This policy is valid from 28 September 2007
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.
The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.
The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.
The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertising is in the form of advertisements generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as paid advertisements.
The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org
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