I don’t believe in writer’s block. All writing is difficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily. Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block and doctors don’t get doctor’s block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?”
-Philip Pullman
The agony of a slow computer and a dial-up connection is enough to give me writer's block today, I realize I am spoiled with my Mac and my cable modum. This might be my last post until I have my computer back.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
No Real Work
The only thing I was fit for was to be a writer, and this notion rested solely on my suspicion that I would never be fit for real work, and that writing didn't require any.
- Russell Baker
For years I have struggled with what I should do for a career. I have tried the corporate world, didn't like it because most of the time I felt that people weren't working; meetings about work, peptalks regarding work, appointments set to discuss work but we never worked. It seemed like the companies I worked for talked about working more than they actually worked. This was hard for me because I grew up in the restaurant business where I physically worked everyday. Then I tried to leave the restaurant business but it kept sucking me in. I left for a couple of years to pursue a degree in computers and then met my husband whose dream it was to run/own a restaurant so for the last eight years we have worked this dream. Through all of this I have pursued writing with all my work experiences adding to the picture.
Today, write about the work that has molded your writing. What was the best job you ever had? What was the worst? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- Russell Baker
For years I have struggled with what I should do for a career. I have tried the corporate world, didn't like it because most of the time I felt that people weren't working; meetings about work, peptalks regarding work, appointments set to discuss work but we never worked. It seemed like the companies I worked for talked about working more than they actually worked. This was hard for me because I grew up in the restaurant business where I physically worked everyday. Then I tried to leave the restaurant business but it kept sucking me in. I left for a couple of years to pursue a degree in computers and then met my husband whose dream it was to run/own a restaurant so for the last eight years we have worked this dream. Through all of this I have pursued writing with all my work experiences adding to the picture.
Today, write about the work that has molded your writing. What was the best job you ever had? What was the worst? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Just a Quote today
Failure is not an option. It is a privilege reserved for those who try.
Author Unknown
Author Unknown
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Writing Poetry and a Poetry Contest Warning.
If you know what you are going to write when you're writing a poem, it's going to be average”
Derek Walcott
When I write a poem it usually starts with an image I can't get out of my head. It might be a small thing a postcard I find at a flea market that reads "will you marry me?" but was never mailed or my Nana's religious relics I found when cleaning out a drawer. That's my Nana in my header on the left hand side. She was a teacher and a school principal and she has inspired many of my poems. You can read Relics under My Work on the Web if you're interested. Anyhow, any of my good poems evolved from a small thing. The average ones never see the light of day. Although I may pick them apart and glean a line or two for another poem so nothing is wasted. As well as writing every day, I read a poem every day. Poetry shows me how to write tight. Every word must be the right word or it must go. How do you start a poem? Is it a word or an image or a line from a song that inspires you?
If you love poetry and writing poetry you may enter a lot of poetry contests. This is my poetry contest warning post. Although I think everyone knows about vanity presses I still meet people who have paid between $45-150 to have their work published. Don't fall for it. Unless of course you can't wait to see your name in print. In that case I would say self-publish a poetry book. As you know I am a big fan of Duotrope and Poetry Contest Insider. Also I regularly use the Writer's Market Poetry book. There are many scam poetry contests online; while I occasionally enter poetry contests that charge a small fee I usually enter fee-free contests. I'm a poet, I don't make money writing poetry why would I pay $10 entry fee when the winning prize is $30?
Today, find three legitimate poetry markets and enter your work. I'm a big fan of Mattia, a Canadian family who runs a great contest every year with no entry fee. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Derek Walcott
When I write a poem it usually starts with an image I can't get out of my head. It might be a small thing a postcard I find at a flea market that reads "will you marry me?" but was never mailed or my Nana's religious relics I found when cleaning out a drawer. That's my Nana in my header on the left hand side. She was a teacher and a school principal and she has inspired many of my poems. You can read Relics under My Work on the Web if you're interested. Anyhow, any of my good poems evolved from a small thing. The average ones never see the light of day. Although I may pick them apart and glean a line or two for another poem so nothing is wasted. As well as writing every day, I read a poem every day. Poetry shows me how to write tight. Every word must be the right word or it must go. How do you start a poem? Is it a word or an image or a line from a song that inspires you?
If you love poetry and writing poetry you may enter a lot of poetry contests. This is my poetry contest warning post. Although I think everyone knows about vanity presses I still meet people who have paid between $45-150 to have their work published. Don't fall for it. Unless of course you can't wait to see your name in print. In that case I would say self-publish a poetry book. As you know I am a big fan of Duotrope and Poetry Contest Insider. Also I regularly use the Writer's Market Poetry book. There are many scam poetry contests online; while I occasionally enter poetry contests that charge a small fee I usually enter fee-free contests. I'm a poet, I don't make money writing poetry why would I pay $10 entry fee when the winning prize is $30?
Today, find three legitimate poetry markets and enter your work. I'm a big fan of Mattia, a Canadian family who runs a great contest every year with no entry fee. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, November 26, 2007
No Country for old Men
"I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this."
Cormac McCarthy
I saw No Country for Old Men last night which might be why at 2 a.m. I am up blogging. I don't like violent movies but the story was riveting and the dialogue incredible, I think I spent most of the movie covering my eyes and even though I thought I was prepared for the suspense, jumping out of my seat. The study of evil in any form is disturbing but McCarthy weaves stories around the violence that are mesmerizing. These are your friends and neighbors, simple people who have brought evil into their lives by making a series of bad decisions. I'm now reading the book wanting to pick up any bits of dialogue I might have missed.
There is definitely an art to writing engaging dialogue, the play with words could tell you everything or nothing. Today, work on the dialogue in your manuscript is it believable or flat? Engage the reader by using the right word, don't settle for less. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Cormac McCarthy
I saw No Country for Old Men last night which might be why at 2 a.m. I am up blogging. I don't like violent movies but the story was riveting and the dialogue incredible, I think I spent most of the movie covering my eyes and even though I thought I was prepared for the suspense, jumping out of my seat. The study of evil in any form is disturbing but McCarthy weaves stories around the violence that are mesmerizing. These are your friends and neighbors, simple people who have brought evil into their lives by making a series of bad decisions. I'm now reading the book wanting to pick up any bits of dialogue I might have missed.
There is definitely an art to writing engaging dialogue, the play with words could tell you everything or nothing. Today, work on the dialogue in your manuscript is it believable or flat? Engage the reader by using the right word, don't settle for less. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, November 25, 2007
This Year I will...
You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.
Les Brown
Why do we struggle so much with the just getting started? I started re-reading this book this weekend that answers many of those questions.
This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True
I had a wonderful teacher in Portland, Oregon who taught me about the power of accomplishing small goals daily and I mean small. These little successes drive you to do more and feel good about yourself. For example if your office is cluttered, pick up one paper a day and do something with it. File it, shred it or mail it. That's it just one paper. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but according to psychologists the overwhelming feeling when you look at the hundreds of papers triggers the flight reaction. More likely when you commit to the one paper you will do ten or fifteen but the one paper is your success anything else is gravy. This can be done with writing too. Maybe 30 minutes a day sounds overwhelming to you. Try one sentence. That's it. Commit to writing one sentence a day. Chances are you'll feel so good about that one accomplishment that you'll write more than one, that will become a good habit and you're on your way.
Today, think about what you will name 2008. The Year of the Published Novel, The Year of the Healthy Body, the Year of the New Home, The Year of the College Degree, The Year of Writing Daily. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Les Brown
Why do we struggle so much with the just getting started? I started re-reading this book this weekend that answers many of those questions.
This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True
I had a wonderful teacher in Portland, Oregon who taught me about the power of accomplishing small goals daily and I mean small. These little successes drive you to do more and feel good about yourself. For example if your office is cluttered, pick up one paper a day and do something with it. File it, shred it or mail it. That's it just one paper. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but according to psychologists the overwhelming feeling when you look at the hundreds of papers triggers the flight reaction. More likely when you commit to the one paper you will do ten or fifteen but the one paper is your success anything else is gravy. This can be done with writing too. Maybe 30 minutes a day sounds overwhelming to you. Try one sentence. That's it. Commit to writing one sentence a day. Chances are you'll feel so good about that one accomplishment that you'll write more than one, that will become a good habit and you're on your way.
Today, think about what you will name 2008. The Year of the Published Novel, The Year of the Healthy Body, the Year of the New Home, The Year of the College Degree, The Year of Writing Daily. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Discovering New Artists
I didn't know much about St. Augustine until I ran across some black and white photos of America's oldest city at a local flea market. The pictures of the city, mostly architectural in nature intrigued me and it seems like many artists and art lovers feel the same way about St. Augustine. The city, founded by the Spanish in 1565 has evolved into a tourist mecca especially is you are an art-lover or history buff. If you find yourself planning a winter get away in Florida consider, St. Augustine Artwalk holds a First Friday Weekend Artwalk, Friday and Saturday December 7th and 8th and every first Weekend of each month after that.
Not only does it have eclectic art including photography, watercolors, oils, architecture but they also have offer free Sightseeing Train and Trolley tours. So you can enjoy the art and not have to worry about transportation once you arrive. A vacation to North Florida should always include a visit to the First Friday Weekend Art Walk you may just discover a new artist you can't live without.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
What's That Smell?
Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing. Sylvia Plath.
2007 is almost over and although I'm reminded by friends that I accomplished a lot this year, I am hard on myself and want to be sitting here with more clips, published works, and money to show for it.
Do you have writing that just needs to get out? Finish it and submit it or get rid of it. My end of year ritual is to clean out the closets in December to get one more box to the Goodwill. What if you cleaned out your computer and files the same way? One blogger sends all his work that never found a home to content sites so he can at least drive people to his blog and maybe make a little cash. Although some writers frown on that saying that the small amount he gets paid cheapens writers he wants to start over every year with fresh projects and new writing. My articles from 2003 that never found a home but are pretty timeless might find a home there. They aren't good enough for print publications and believe me four years later I'm done with them.
Today, how can you clean up your computer and files so the ghosts of works past don't haunt you when you're trying to write? Set small goals daily so when January 2008 is here you will be ready to start anew and not be held back by your past. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
2007 is almost over and although I'm reminded by friends that I accomplished a lot this year, I am hard on myself and want to be sitting here with more clips, published works, and money to show for it.
Do you have writing that just needs to get out? Finish it and submit it or get rid of it. My end of year ritual is to clean out the closets in December to get one more box to the Goodwill. What if you cleaned out your computer and files the same way? One blogger sends all his work that never found a home to content sites so he can at least drive people to his blog and maybe make a little cash. Although some writers frown on that saying that the small amount he gets paid cheapens writers he wants to start over every year with fresh projects and new writing. My articles from 2003 that never found a home but are pretty timeless might find a home there. They aren't good enough for print publications and believe me four years later I'm done with them.
Today, how can you clean up your computer and files so the ghosts of works past don't haunt you when you're trying to write? Set small goals daily so when January 2008 is here you will be ready to start anew and not be held back by your past. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, November 23, 2007
Cracking the pie crust secret code
Writing is like walking in a deserted street. Out of the dust in the street you make a mud pie.
John le Carre
I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top. ~English Professor (Name Unknown), Ohio University
Three rejections this week didn't deter me...I just sent out three more that I've been procrastinating. My end of year goal is to pull all my chapters together and get a working plan to finish my manuscript before the end of April.
I'm back at my computer after a fabulous Thanksgiving feast courtesy of friends Gary and M.A. I had the BEST PUMPKIN PIE I've ever had courtesy of Gary finally cracking the "pie crust secret code". I'd post the recipe but I left it on the table. Oops! It's in this cookbook.
Baking Illustrated: A Best Recipe Classic (The Best Recipe Series)
I hope all had a good Thanksgiving and you are ready to end the year on a positive note. Today, start your daily writing exercise with what are you grateful for this year? Set the timer for fifteen minutes and write, you may be surprised how good you feel after this exercise. The world is abundant. How can you use the feeling of gratitude in a poem, essay or short story. Now get back to work! It is o.k. to eat pumpkin pie for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Books on Gratitude
Journey of Gratitude - Writing a Gratitude Journal
When Words Matter Most: Thoughtful Words and Deeds to Express Just the Right Thing at Just the Right Time
Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude
John le Carre
I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top. ~English Professor (Name Unknown), Ohio University
Three rejections this week didn't deter me...I just sent out three more that I've been procrastinating. My end of year goal is to pull all my chapters together and get a working plan to finish my manuscript before the end of April.
I'm back at my computer after a fabulous Thanksgiving feast courtesy of friends Gary and M.A. I had the BEST PUMPKIN PIE I've ever had courtesy of Gary finally cracking the "pie crust secret code". I'd post the recipe but I left it on the table. Oops! It's in this cookbook.
Baking Illustrated: A Best Recipe Classic (The Best Recipe Series)
I hope all had a good Thanksgiving and you are ready to end the year on a positive note. Today, start your daily writing exercise with what are you grateful for this year? Set the timer for fifteen minutes and write, you may be surprised how good you feel after this exercise. The world is abundant. How can you use the feeling of gratitude in a poem, essay or short story. Now get back to work! It is o.k. to eat pumpkin pie for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Books on Gratitude
Journey of Gratitude - Writing a Gratitude Journal
When Words Matter Most: Thoughtful Words and Deeds to Express Just the Right Thing at Just the Right Time
Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude
Thursday, November 22, 2007
My Blog Log
I just need 12 more bloggers to join my small community at My Blog Log. If you are a blogger who is already a Blog log member, please join my community of like minded creatively inspired bloggers. Thanks.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Writing Nag's Pear and Cranberry Chutney
Writing Nag's Pear and Cranberry Chutney
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Bartlett pears, peeled and cut into small dice
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into small dice
1 small onion, cut into small dice
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 cups water
1 1/2-2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of ground cloves
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 12 oz bags whole cranberries
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, optional
Heat the vegetable oil over low heat and add the onion, pears, apples, and garlic. Cook gently for approximately 10 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add all the spices, water, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, bring to a second boil and then turn down the heat. Simmer until cranberries have burst, stirring occasionally for approximately 20 minutes. Take off heat and stir in toasted walnuts. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate and serve chilled. Adjust the spices to your liking. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Bartlett pears, peeled and cut into small dice
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and cut into small dice
1 small onion, cut into small dice
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 cups water
1 1/2-2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. allspice
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of ground cloves
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 12 oz bags whole cranberries
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, optional
Heat the vegetable oil over low heat and add the onion, pears, apples, and garlic. Cook gently for approximately 10 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add all the spices, water, sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, bring to a second boil and then turn down the heat. Simmer until cranberries have burst, stirring occasionally for approximately 20 minutes. Take off heat and stir in toasted walnuts. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate and serve chilled. Adjust the spices to your liking. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
My Blog Log Contest
My Blog Log is having a contest. The blog that attracts the most new community members wins. Umm there's no way I expect to win 4 people have joined my community in the last 2 weeks the blog in the lead has 256 new members. These people are offering incentives to join their community, money, link love, etc. I only offer other creatively minded bloggers. If your blog's focus is on creativity of any sort, creative writing, online writing, blogging, altered art, poetry, art and you have thought about joining blog log because you want to find blogs to read that reflect you. Click on join my community. Cheers!
On a unrelated subject...I will be posting a recipe for cranberry chutney tonight. Stop back and make a delicious accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner. It's quick and easy.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
On a unrelated subject...I will be posting a recipe for cranberry chutney tonight. Stop back and make a delicious accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner. It's quick and easy.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Who Are You Writing For?
Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. - Cyril Connorly
I think many writers fall into this mindset when faced with fear or insecurity. Their writing is not good enough, they'll never be published, they can't make money at this unless they write exactly what they think the public wants. Unfortunately many writers do this at the risk of losing their self. Do I think everything you write needs to represent your true self? No. There are writing jobs I have taken that were advertorial in nature and I wrote glowing reviews of restaurants I thought would close in 6 months. When faced with bills and deadlines and fear I wrote for a paycheck.There's a lot of paying your dues for a new writer. And I'm still doing that.
All I know is that there are venues where I could write that could potentially be lucrative but I want to maintain "me". Anything less would be giving up my self.
Today, think about what you are willing to give up to be called a writer or a published author? Where do you draw the line? Who are you writing for? List 10 venues where you could be published that really represent you. These are places that fit your style, character and self. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I think many writers fall into this mindset when faced with fear or insecurity. Their writing is not good enough, they'll never be published, they can't make money at this unless they write exactly what they think the public wants. Unfortunately many writers do this at the risk of losing their self. Do I think everything you write needs to represent your true self? No. There are writing jobs I have taken that were advertorial in nature and I wrote glowing reviews of restaurants I thought would close in 6 months. When faced with bills and deadlines and fear I wrote for a paycheck.There's a lot of paying your dues for a new writer. And I'm still doing that.
All I know is that there are venues where I could write that could potentially be lucrative but I want to maintain "me". Anything less would be giving up my self.
Today, think about what you are willing to give up to be called a writer or a published author? Where do you draw the line? Who are you writing for? List 10 venues where you could be published that really represent you. These are places that fit your style, character and self. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
When Straight from Hel Tags You...
Helen Ginger of Straight from Hel tagged me with the meme about blogging.
1. How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging for more than a year but I didn't really get it until I started my Writing Nag blog in June of 2007. I've pretty much blogged daily since then. My advice have a focus on your blog. My Countess Arugula blog was a struggle to keep up with.
2. What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
It's more like who. My nagging daily emails to my writing friends including Lauri who suggested I turned them into a blog and Olgy a writing critique friend who nagged me on the importance of blogging for writers.
3. Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
I would do it anyway but trying to make money with it validates the writing.
4. What 3 things do you struggle with online?
(a) I struggle with the technical stuff because I want to know it all now. There is definitely a learning curve. Be patient.
(b)Trying to figure out how to make more money online.
(c)The overwhelming number of good blogs, I want to read them all! which leaves little time to write.
5. What 3 things do you love about being online?
a)The blogging community in general has been very supportive and helpful.
b)Contests. Who doesn't love to win prizes?
c)Run now, don't look back... blogging is addictive.
Tag you're it!
*Lauri at Lauri Reflections a blog about motherhood, creativity, music, writing and more. She's an expert at uncovering interesting websites and blogs.
*Michelle at Live Holistically a blogging mentor and friend, she knows more about blogging than anyone I know.
*Vienne at Eavesdrop Writer a constant source of creativity. Read it you'll be hooked too.
Thanks for the kind words Helen. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
1. How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging for more than a year but I didn't really get it until I started my Writing Nag blog in June of 2007. I've pretty much blogged daily since then. My advice have a focus on your blog. My Countess Arugula blog was a struggle to keep up with.
2. What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors?
It's more like who. My nagging daily emails to my writing friends including Lauri who suggested I turned them into a blog and Olgy a writing critique friend who nagged me on the importance of blogging for writers.
3. Are you trying to make money online, or just doing it for fun?
I would do it anyway but trying to make money with it validates the writing.
4. What 3 things do you struggle with online?
(a) I struggle with the technical stuff because I want to know it all now. There is definitely a learning curve. Be patient.
(b)Trying to figure out how to make more money online.
(c)The overwhelming number of good blogs, I want to read them all! which leaves little time to write.
5. What 3 things do you love about being online?
a)The blogging community in general has been very supportive and helpful.
b)Contests. Who doesn't love to win prizes?
c)Run now, don't look back... blogging is addictive.
Tag you're it!
*Lauri at Lauri Reflections a blog about motherhood, creativity, music, writing and more. She's an expert at uncovering interesting websites and blogs.
*Michelle at Live Holistically a blogging mentor and friend, she knows more about blogging than anyone I know.
*Vienne at Eavesdrop Writer a constant source of creativity. Read it you'll be hooked too.
Thanks for the kind words Helen. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, November 19, 2007
Finer than Frog's Hair
I have the longing that all writers have for new ears to pour my words into.
—Alasdair MacLean
Yesterday, I went to a railroad hobbyists open house and was mesmerized by the miniature lands they created to run their trains through. The attention to detail was staggering. There was circus trains running by a scale 3-ring circus complete with a nearby carnival with a ferris wheel, bumper cars, and hot dog stands. There were miniature Western towns with a marriage ceremony at the church and the sheriff walking an outlaw through the center of town. When I asked one of the men how he was, the one with the pin on that said "I have the world's greatest hobby" he said "I'm finer than frog's hair" and I do believe he was. When someone is immersed in something they love, nothing else matters, the world goes away and your creativity shines.
Today write about a location that you'd like to visit or you have visited that inspires you. Don't leave out any details.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
—Alasdair MacLean
Yesterday, I went to a railroad hobbyists open house and was mesmerized by the miniature lands they created to run their trains through. The attention to detail was staggering. There was circus trains running by a scale 3-ring circus complete with a nearby carnival with a ferris wheel, bumper cars, and hot dog stands. There were miniature Western towns with a marriage ceremony at the church and the sheriff walking an outlaw through the center of town. When I asked one of the men how he was, the one with the pin on that said "I have the world's greatest hobby" he said "I'm finer than frog's hair" and I do believe he was. When someone is immersed in something they love, nothing else matters, the world goes away and your creativity shines.
Today write about a location that you'd like to visit or you have visited that inspires you. Don't leave out any details.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Stone by Stone
Like stones, words are laborious and unforgiving, and the fitting of them together, like the fitting of stones, demands great patience and strength of purpose and particular skill. Edmund Morrison
Without a doubt writing is a skill and although this is a new quote to me the picture of a handmade stone fence being a metaphor for a completed piece of work is very accurate. When I am ready to do the final edit on a poem or a story, there is often only one right word that fits.
Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Without a doubt writing is a skill and although this is a new quote to me the picture of a handmade stone fence being a metaphor for a completed piece of work is very accurate. When I am ready to do the final edit on a poem or a story, there is often only one right word that fits.
Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, November 17, 2007
A Ream of Fresh Paper
In a mood of faith and hope my work goes on. A ream of fresh paper lies on my desk waiting for the next book. I am a writer and I take up my pen to write. Pearl S. Buck
I guess that's all it takes to keep writing, faith and hope and of course passion and persistence.As December looms...I start to panic, what haven't I done this year? How did the year go by without my manuscript being finished? Why don't I have more to show for in my writing journey this year?
And then January rolls around and I have new goals, new hope and faith that I will continue on the path. And I will crack open a ream of fresh paper and take up my pen to write.
This weekend I am reading Fruitflesh...seeds of inspiration for women who write by Gayle Brandeis. Each chapter takes a fruit starting with mango and ending with watermelon and first mediates on the fruit and how it can be related to your writing.Many examples of poetry, short stories and essays illustrate each chapter and prompts are interspersed throughout the pages.
Today, write about your favorite fruit. It could be an essay a poem or just a few paragraphs that might make their way into a short story or your manuscript. My poem Believe Me was inspired by the smell of my neighbor's peach tree last summer.
Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
"Believe Me"
by Patricia Kennelly
peaches taste better
if they're stolen
from your neighbor's tree
back towards the alley
where the chain-link fence
is broken
on a new moon night
find where black squirrels
have left half-gnawed,
half-ripe ones like
hansel-gretel crumbs
the limb hangs heavy
with the fuzzy globes
you push aside
the glossy leaves
to find one
my advice
eat it
in your garden
I guess that's all it takes to keep writing, faith and hope and of course passion and persistence.As December looms...I start to panic, what haven't I done this year? How did the year go by without my manuscript being finished? Why don't I have more to show for in my writing journey this year?
And then January rolls around and I have new goals, new hope and faith that I will continue on the path. And I will crack open a ream of fresh paper and take up my pen to write.
This weekend I am reading Fruitflesh...seeds of inspiration for women who write by Gayle Brandeis. Each chapter takes a fruit starting with mango and ending with watermelon and first mediates on the fruit and how it can be related to your writing.Many examples of poetry, short stories and essays illustrate each chapter and prompts are interspersed throughout the pages.
Today, write about your favorite fruit. It could be an essay a poem or just a few paragraphs that might make their way into a short story or your manuscript. My poem Believe Me was inspired by the smell of my neighbor's peach tree last summer.
Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
"Believe Me"
by Patricia Kennelly
peaches taste better
if they're stolen
from your neighbor's tree
back towards the alley
where the chain-link fence
is broken
on a new moon night
find where black squirrels
have left half-gnawed,
half-ripe ones like
hansel-gretel crumbs
the limb hangs heavy
with the fuzzy globes
you push aside
the glossy leaves
to find one
my advice
eat it
in your garden
Friday, November 16, 2007
Writing Letters
Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters encourage momentary escape into others lives and I come back to my own with greater contentment.
Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, 'A Woman of Independent Means'
This weekend I have quite a bit of catching up to do and one thing that's one my list is writing personal cards and letters. When was the last time you received a card when it wasn't your birthday? How great did it feel to know that someone took the time to sit down and handwrite you a card or a letter? With Thanksgiving right around the corner I think it's a good time to thank friends and family.
Today, think about who you are grateful for in your life. Sit down and write them a letter. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, 'A Woman of Independent Means'
This weekend I have quite a bit of catching up to do and one thing that's one my list is writing personal cards and letters. When was the last time you received a card when it wasn't your birthday? How great did it feel to know that someone took the time to sit down and handwrite you a card or a letter? With Thanksgiving right around the corner I think it's a good time to thank friends and family.
Today, think about who you are grateful for in your life. Sit down and write them a letter. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Angry Pasta for the Holiday Table
I have a new recipe online. Pasta Arrabbiata. Add a spicy kick to your holiday table.
Enjoy!
Countess Arugula
Enjoy!
Countess Arugula
Chris Rea : Driving Home For Christmas
An oldie but when it's holiday time I always want to hear this song.
The Icy Challenge of the Paper
Perhaps it would be better not to be a writer, but if you must, then write. If all feels hopeless, if that famous 'inspiration' will not come, write. If you are a genius, you'll make your own rules, but if not - and the odds are against it - go to your desk no matter what your mood, face the icy challenge of the paper - write.
- J. B. Priestly
I think I feel the icy challenge of paying my bills more than I feel the icy challenge of writing but that's another story. I like how Priestly says "perhaps it would be better not to be a writer" because that's more of the feeling I get on a regular basis. I think of the extra time I would have...what would I do with it? I suppose I could read, clean my house, organize my sock drawer and my linen closet...but then what? I could exercise more, maybe take a yoga class, take my dog for another walk...but then I would want to write. What about you...is writing a hobby or a need? or maybe an obsession.
Today, set the timer for 10 minutes and just write about ice. Yesterday the temperature dropped considerably in Colorado and a few snow flakes fell. Ice is just around the corner. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- J. B. Priestly
I think I feel the icy challenge of paying my bills more than I feel the icy challenge of writing but that's another story. I like how Priestly says "perhaps it would be better not to be a writer" because that's more of the feeling I get on a regular basis. I think of the extra time I would have...what would I do with it? I suppose I could read, clean my house, organize my sock drawer and my linen closet...but then what? I could exercise more, maybe take a yoga class, take my dog for another walk...but then I would want to write. What about you...is writing a hobby or a need? or maybe an obsession.
Today, set the timer for 10 minutes and just write about ice. Yesterday the temperature dropped considerably in Colorado and a few snow flakes fell. Ice is just around the corner. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Do You Just Need A Vacation?
Poets are like baseball pitchers. Both have their moments. The intervals are the tough things. ~Robert Frost
Before I went on my mini-vacation I was writing but the poetry button seemed to be stuck. I was writing, editing, revising and submitting but as Robert Frost says it was tough...I was stuck in an interval. The last few days though words are flowing, at the bank line waiting for a teller, at red lights, during the lunch rush, I'm reaching for my little notebook and jotting down my thoughts. It feels good. Why the rush? I think because of my five days of doing nothing. Away from my computer, there was no hours of mindless websurfing, no checking emails, no pressure, no questions, no deadlines, no stress, no WORK, just the time to wander around coastal towns, bookstores, cafes, take long drives and walks on the beach, see old friends...maybe you need that too?
I read a wonderful post yesterday about giving yourself the permission to do nothing. The Importance of Doing Nothing. Today, what would you do if you could do no work for the next five days and money was not an issue? Would it free your brain, awaken your creativity, inspire you to write?
Now get back to doing nothing!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Before I went on my mini-vacation I was writing but the poetry button seemed to be stuck. I was writing, editing, revising and submitting but as Robert Frost says it was tough...I was stuck in an interval. The last few days though words are flowing, at the bank line waiting for a teller, at red lights, during the lunch rush, I'm reaching for my little notebook and jotting down my thoughts. It feels good. Why the rush? I think because of my five days of doing nothing. Away from my computer, there was no hours of mindless websurfing, no checking emails, no pressure, no questions, no deadlines, no stress, no WORK, just the time to wander around coastal towns, bookstores, cafes, take long drives and walks on the beach, see old friends...maybe you need that too?
I read a wonderful post yesterday about giving yourself the permission to do nothing. The Importance of Doing Nothing. Today, what would you do if you could do no work for the next five days and money was not an issue? Would it free your brain, awaken your creativity, inspire you to write?
Now get back to doing nothing!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Your Group of Friends
Writers seldom choose as friends those self-contained characters who are never in trouble, never unhappy or ill, never make mistakes, and always count their change when it is handed to them.
~ Catherine Drinker Bowen ~
Being in the restaurant business most of my life, my work friends were always a little odd. If you've read Anthony Bourdain's books or have ever worked in a restaurant you might know what I mean. Ever since I was 16 I had stories for my "normal friends" about the characters I worked with and met in the back of the house. My "normal friends" had real jobs after they graduated from college, worked 40 hours a week, got vacation time and sick time, bought houses before they were 30, had children and made investments. My restaurant friends spent whatever money they made, partied, were on their 2nd or 3rd marriage, had their kids working as dishwashers or bussers, smoked and drank and generally worked at having fun. I have a lot of stories. Now that I no longer work as a chef, it seems that most of my friends are writers. Another group of interesting, fun yet sometimes odd characters. I love having friends that are writers, I can bounce ideas off of them, have them critique or edit for me, complain about rejections, and celebrate when we get acceptances. I also have my poetry friends, an online group I belong too that will actually read and comment on my poetry.
Today, think about your friends and acquaintances...how are they different from you and how are they similar? How much has your circle of friends changed as you got older? Have your friends influenced your writing? Could you use your experiences in a piece of work? an essay or a poem.Now get back to work?
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
~ Catherine Drinker Bowen ~
Being in the restaurant business most of my life, my work friends were always a little odd. If you've read Anthony Bourdain's books or have ever worked in a restaurant you might know what I mean. Ever since I was 16 I had stories for my "normal friends" about the characters I worked with and met in the back of the house. My "normal friends" had real jobs after they graduated from college, worked 40 hours a week, got vacation time and sick time, bought houses before they were 30, had children and made investments. My restaurant friends spent whatever money they made, partied, were on their 2nd or 3rd marriage, had their kids working as dishwashers or bussers, smoked and drank and generally worked at having fun. I have a lot of stories. Now that I no longer work as a chef, it seems that most of my friends are writers. Another group of interesting, fun yet sometimes odd characters. I love having friends that are writers, I can bounce ideas off of them, have them critique or edit for me, complain about rejections, and celebrate when we get acceptances. I also have my poetry friends, an online group I belong too that will actually read and comment on my poetry.
Today, think about your friends and acquaintances...how are they different from you and how are they similar? How much has your circle of friends changed as you got older? Have your friends influenced your writing? Could you use your experiences in a piece of work? an essay or a poem.Now get back to work?
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, November 12, 2007
Chance to win More than $6000 in Prizes
I love my blog but I know it needs a lot of work.There is so much I'm still learning about blogging so whenever I see a contest where some of the prizes will help to develop your blog, I'm all over it.
Crucial Webhost is now hosting a contest which includes as its prizes logo design from David Airey, XBox 360, website critique,5 Years of Split Shared Hosting, $100 adwords programs and more.
You have until December 5 to enter, but if you need webhosting you may want to check it out earlier as you can earn additional entries into the contest by purchasing the web services.And the web services are very affordable. I'd love to start the new year with one of these great prizes.
Lovingly,
The Blogging Nag
Crucial Webhost is now hosting a contest which includes as its prizes logo design from David Airey, XBox 360, website critique,5 Years of Split Shared Hosting, $100 adwords programs and more.
You have until December 5 to enter, but if you need webhosting you may want to check it out earlier as you can earn additional entries into the contest by purchasing the web services.And the web services are very affordable. I'd love to start the new year with one of these great prizes.
Lovingly,
The Blogging Nag
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Norman Mailer quotes In Memorium
When I read it, I don't wince, which is all I ever ask for a book I write.
I knew that there was one thing I wanted to be and that was a writer.
Culture's worth huge, huge risks. Without culture we're all totalitarian beasts.
Norman Mailer
Three weeks before Norman Mailer died at 84 years old (11/10/07) he published another book. And most days after he did his crossword puzzle he wrote. I'm sure he had good days and bad days even with two Pulitzer Prizes under his belt. According to the article Norman Mailer invented and reinvented himself many times over the years as a screenwriter, writer, editor, director, and journalist. And he had a controversial, colorful life, but there's one thing that most writers will agree he was a literary genius.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I knew that there was one thing I wanted to be and that was a writer.
Culture's worth huge, huge risks. Without culture we're all totalitarian beasts.
Norman Mailer
Three weeks before Norman Mailer died at 84 years old (11/10/07) he published another book. And most days after he did his crossword puzzle he wrote. I'm sure he had good days and bad days even with two Pulitzer Prizes under his belt. According to the article Norman Mailer invented and reinvented himself many times over the years as a screenwriter, writer, editor, director, and journalist. And he had a controversial, colorful life, but there's one thing that most writers will agree he was a literary genius.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Most Feared Expression
One of the most feared expressions in modern times is "The computer is down."
~ Norman Augustine
Yesterday, I had what I thought was a major computer problem, but instead it was very minor...my modem somehow got unplugged. The panic I felt when the Internet was not available scared me a little bit. I do most of my writing on the computer and spend at least 2-3 hours a day on the Internet, researching, reading blogs, writing and finding markets. When I went on my mini-vacation to Oregon I had no computer access for five days and I must admit I enjoyed it. I wrote on actual paper with real pens, read a lot and worked on scenes for my manuscript all without the aid of the computer. But the minute I got home I was happy to get back to my Mac.
I am trying to get through the writing block book to share my experiences but I'm stuck trying to get through the psychology of writing block, which I think is quite ironic. I hope to have more to report on Monday.
Today, a link for a poetry contest. I covet their pens. No entry fee. Cash prizes. Now, get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
~ Norman Augustine
Yesterday, I had what I thought was a major computer problem, but instead it was very minor...my modem somehow got unplugged. The panic I felt when the Internet was not available scared me a little bit. I do most of my writing on the computer and spend at least 2-3 hours a day on the Internet, researching, reading blogs, writing and finding markets. When I went on my mini-vacation to Oregon I had no computer access for five days and I must admit I enjoyed it. I wrote on actual paper with real pens, read a lot and worked on scenes for my manuscript all without the aid of the computer. But the minute I got home I was happy to get back to my Mac.
I am trying to get through the writing block book to share my experiences but I'm stuck trying to get through the psychology of writing block, which I think is quite ironic. I hope to have more to report on Monday.
Today, a link for a poetry contest. I covet their pens. No entry fee. Cash prizes. Now, get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, November 9, 2007
The Intoxication of Ink
The smell of ink is intoxicating to me - others may have wine, but I have poetry. ~Abbe Yeux-verdi
Today I posted two Billy Collins poems for you to listen too, it is nice to have poetry read out loud to you, it makes me feel young as if I am still in grammar school and the teacher has said "no more work this afternoon, today I will read you poetry" how lovely to have a break.
Today, after your daily writing take a break and listen to some poetry. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Today I posted two Billy Collins poems for you to listen too, it is nice to have poetry read out loud to you, it makes me feel young as if I am still in grammar school and the teacher has said "no more work this afternoon, today I will read you poetry" how lovely to have a break.
Today, after your daily writing take a break and listen to some poetry. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Me and My Camera
“The virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking”
Brooks Atkinson
I think I started very young taking pictures. I have a suitcase of pictures that I have carried around the last 20 years. I tried scrap booking but I hated cutting up the pictures and it was even harder for me to throw out pictures. So when I got my first digital camera I was hooked. For some reason it's easier for me to delete them off my camera or off my hard drive. And digital scrap booking is a lot more fun.
On my fantasy Christmas wish list this year is a Nikon D3. In real life, I will probably just upgrade to a much better digital camera that is under $200. Yes, I still love my old one, it's served me well. But the new cameras have so many new features that my old camera just didn't offer three years ago. I now take my camera everywhere I go.I always need some pictures for my blog, or to remember a great meal, and now I'm thinking about photos for my card company. And as Brooke Atkinson says having a camera gives you an impulse to keep looking.Now when I go on vacation I'm looking for the details that some people might miss. The beach cottage that looked like a fancy carved driftwood birdhouse, the old rusted gas pump, the German Shepard wearing ski goggles on the hiking path, the lone sand dollar on a deserted beach. It's all there, the camera just makes you look closer. I've recently been using my camera in another way, next time you go on vacation or are just sightseeing around your area take lots of misc. digital pictures and use them when you need inspiration for writing prompts, scenes or details. In writing, adding the details could be just what you're missing.
Lovingly,
The Writing Taking Pictures Nag
Improving Personal Success
Never mind what others do; do better than yourself, beat your own record from day to day, and you are a success.
- William J.H. Boetcker
This is a difficult one because it's hard to see other writers succeed and not feel anything. There is a lot of what am I doing wrong? Why not me? I firmly believe that each writer has their own path and with trial and error they discover it. For me poetry has been a path I chose and as my husband often reminds me there aren't many poets who earn a living. And even though I acknowledge this, it is only one part of my writing program. To give up the poetry part would be unthinkable.
Today, think about how you could make the next seven weeks of the year successful? What could you do today that would end the year on a positive note. Could you list 10 ways that you have succeeded as a writer this year? Maybe it's as simple as your daily writing practice or your clutter-free desk or you now have an impressive list of clips to show for. Now get back to work! Success awaits you.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- William J.H. Boetcker
This is a difficult one because it's hard to see other writers succeed and not feel anything. There is a lot of what am I doing wrong? Why not me? I firmly believe that each writer has their own path and with trial and error they discover it. For me poetry has been a path I chose and as my husband often reminds me there aren't many poets who earn a living. And even though I acknowledge this, it is only one part of my writing program. To give up the poetry part would be unthinkable.
Today, think about how you could make the next seven weeks of the year successful? What could you do today that would end the year on a positive note. Could you list 10 ways that you have succeeded as a writer this year? Maybe it's as simple as your daily writing practice or your clutter-free desk or you now have an impressive list of clips to show for. Now get back to work! Success awaits you.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Neil Young Rocks Denver
“It's better to burn out than it is to rust”
Neil Young
I had to talk about Neil Young today after an amazing concert at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Denver. Thirty-six years after the above live concert, Neil Young is still going strong. He is pretty amazing and the concert in the small theatre was well worth the dollars. It's definately up there in my top five concerts.
Passion and persistance.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Neil Young
I had to talk about Neil Young today after an amazing concert at the Wells Fargo Theatre in Denver. Thirty-six years after the above live concert, Neil Young is still going strong. He is pretty amazing and the concert in the small theatre was well worth the dollars. It's definately up there in my top five concerts.
Passion and persistance.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
No Regrets
Will you look back on life and say, "I wish I had", or "I'm glad I did"?
- Zig Ziglar
If you have decided that the path of a writer is for you, now is not the time to give up. I say this because I have been contemplating getting "a real job" for the past three months because this has not turned out to be the easiest path I've ever chosen. I know there are other writers that also struggle daily, maybe even hourly with doubt, uncertainty and self esteem issues. In the writer's block book, the author discusses this in the first chapter, and also writes about how just showing up every day for your writing is a good first step. Give yourself permission to write poorly.Just write. She also discusses how you may be writing at the wrong time. I've found that if I don't write within an hour of getting up, it feels like a struggle. But you may find that nighttime works for you or three in the afternoon.
Today, list 10 reasons why you're glad you write. For me it has opened up many other doors in my life. I've met interesting, creative people who inspire me daily with their commitment to the writing world. Writing a daily blog has given me permission to explore the practice of writing without worrying about making money.
I have also discovered writing poetry is very cheap therapy.
Now get back to work! so you can say I'm glad I did.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- Zig Ziglar
If you have decided that the path of a writer is for you, now is not the time to give up. I say this because I have been contemplating getting "a real job" for the past three months because this has not turned out to be the easiest path I've ever chosen. I know there are other writers that also struggle daily, maybe even hourly with doubt, uncertainty and self esteem issues. In the writer's block book, the author discusses this in the first chapter, and also writes about how just showing up every day for your writing is a good first step. Give yourself permission to write poorly.Just write. She also discusses how you may be writing at the wrong time. I've found that if I don't write within an hour of getting up, it feels like a struggle. But you may find that nighttime works for you or three in the afternoon.
Today, list 10 reasons why you're glad you write. For me it has opened up many other doors in my life. I've met interesting, creative people who inspire me daily with their commitment to the writing world. Writing a daily blog has given me permission to explore the practice of writing without worrying about making money.
I have also discovered writing poetry is very cheap therapy.
Now get back to work! so you can say I'm glad I did.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, November 5, 2007
Pizza Elmo for a special someone
I just bought this for a friend's daughter and she adores it, it may make you crazy but not as crazy as tickle me Elmo, and kids seem to love it.
Again with the Writer's Block
Writing is pretty crummy on the nerves.
~ Paul Theroux
Although I've been writing almost every day since I started my blog in July, I do have days where nothing works. Other days, poems are produced almost effortlessly and characters pop into my head and my dreams and seem to write themselves. One book I took on my short vacation was Write. 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. I thought this would be a good blog topic. I'm going to follow the book with tomorrow being Day 1 and see where it takes me. A lot of my writer's block seems to center around money or feeling the need to make some as a writer and this year hasn't been very profitable. This is where Paul Theroux comes in. Writing has been pretty crummy on my nerves when I start thinking how much time I put in versus the money I get out. And yet I still write. What other profession awards so little for such hard work? Restaurant work. My other profession. But I persevere mostly because I really believe people when they say it will all work out in the end. And I have seen success in other writer friends. So hope is still there.
Today, write about why you continue to write daily...And if you're not writing daily will you join me in 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Please visit the author's website below for more info.
Karen E. Peterson, Ph.D.
~ Paul Theroux
Although I've been writing almost every day since I started my blog in July, I do have days where nothing works. Other days, poems are produced almost effortlessly and characters pop into my head and my dreams and seem to write themselves. One book I took on my short vacation was Write. 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. I thought this would be a good blog topic. I'm going to follow the book with tomorrow being Day 1 and see where it takes me. A lot of my writer's block seems to center around money or feeling the need to make some as a writer and this year hasn't been very profitable. This is where Paul Theroux comes in. Writing has been pretty crummy on my nerves when I start thinking how much time I put in versus the money I get out. And yet I still write. What other profession awards so little for such hard work? Restaurant work. My other profession. But I persevere mostly because I really believe people when they say it will all work out in the end. And I have seen success in other writer friends. So hope is still there.
Today, write about why you continue to write daily...And if you're not writing daily will you join me in 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Please visit the author's website below for more info.
Karen E. Peterson, Ph.D.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
One Man's Castle
How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live. ~Henry David Thoreau
When I'm feeling the least bit of doubt about continuing on a path of creativity I think about Bishop Castle. This castle located in south central Colorado is one man's dream to build a medieval castle by hand. When I asked my husband, how is this possible? it's pretty amazing up close he said simply "stone by stone".
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with the grand plan of our goal we can completely stop working.
More info about Bishop Castle.
Today, write about what you could do creatively if time and money were not an issue. Take your ultimate goal and break it into very small doable steps, stone by stone. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, November 3, 2007
"Books must be written, not talked"
In a longish life as a professional writer, I have heard a thousand masterpieces talked out over bars, restaurant tables and love seats. I have never seen one of them in print. Books must be written, not talked.
Morris L. West
There are many professional writers who firmly believe this and you won't hear a word about their manuscript until its been published but writers conferences are full of writers who want to tell you all about their book. I have found once the story is out there the writer no longer feels the burning desire to write the book. It's hard when friends want to hear about your work or you rehash it in critique groups but in the end I think you know what needs work and what is ready for publication if you are being honest with yourself.
Today, think about the stories you never finished because you talked it all out. Is
there any part of the story that could be resurrected? Could you use the ideas in another form? a short story instead of a novel.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Morris L. West
There are many professional writers who firmly believe this and you won't hear a word about their manuscript until its been published but writers conferences are full of writers who want to tell you all about their book. I have found once the story is out there the writer no longer feels the burning desire to write the book. It's hard when friends want to hear about your work or you rehash it in critique groups but in the end I think you know what needs work and what is ready for publication if you are being honest with yourself.
Today, think about the stories you never finished because you talked it all out. Is
there any part of the story that could be resurrected? Could you use the ideas in another form? a short story instead of a novel.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, November 2, 2007
What's Burning Inside You?
You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what's burning inside you. And we edit to let the fire show through the smoke. ~Arthur Polotnik
There are essays that have been in my head for years but when I sit down to write them I don't know where to begin. I have thought about writing an outline first, but I have never been good at writing outlines; it seems like too much work.Yesterday's post about reading applies here. The best way I have found to start is by reading essays that work. What is it about a good essay that speaks to you?
Some personal essay sites:
Fresh Yarn
Common Ties
The Sun
NPR
Today, brainstorm on some personal essays you could write, just start a list of topics you would like to write about. Set it aside for now. Keep it near your writing area, many literary journals use themes could one of your topics fit a theme? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
There are essays that have been in my head for years but when I sit down to write them I don't know where to begin. I have thought about writing an outline first, but I have never been good at writing outlines; it seems like too much work.Yesterday's post about reading applies here. The best way I have found to start is by reading essays that work. What is it about a good essay that speaks to you?
Some personal essay sites:
Fresh Yarn
Common Ties
The Sun
NPR
Today, brainstorm on some personal essays you could write, just start a list of topics you would like to write about. Set it aside for now. Keep it near your writing area, many literary journals use themes could one of your topics fit a theme? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Read, read and then read some more
I hate to be a nag, but you have got to read. Like most authors, I run creative writing workshops from time to time, and speak, when invited to writers' circles and at summer schools, and I'm continually amazed at the number of would-be writers who scarcely read. For ideas to germinate and proliferate there has to be fertile ground to sow them in, and for the ground to be fertile it must be mulched with observation, imagination, and other writing.
--Sarah Harrison
Being on vacation for the past week, meant a lot of free time for reading and writing. I found a funky filled to the rafters used and new bookstore in Eugene and spent many hours reading and just as many journaling when I wasn't out exploring.
I missed a week of posts because of a last minute birthday jaunt to Eugene, Oregon, the Oregon coast and Portland. In a word in was FANTASTIC. Although I love Colorado Springs, it is not a "downtown centered" city and it was exciting to be in Portland after five years and see the huge urban renewal project that was just starting when I moved eight years ago. It's also fun as a chef to see how hard restaurants try to out do each other in the food arena. And the seafood after being landlocked for eight years was pretty amazing. For a short trip, I have a lot of great memories.
Today, write about a vacation that was too short but still elicits great memories. Was it the food? or the people or the sites that you remember. Write as if you're a travel writer and want people to visit your special place. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
--Sarah Harrison
Being on vacation for the past week, meant a lot of free time for reading and writing. I found a funky filled to the rafters used and new bookstore in Eugene and spent many hours reading and just as many journaling when I wasn't out exploring.
I missed a week of posts because of a last minute birthday jaunt to Eugene, Oregon, the Oregon coast and Portland. In a word in was FANTASTIC. Although I love Colorado Springs, it is not a "downtown centered" city and it was exciting to be in Portland after five years and see the huge urban renewal project that was just starting when I moved eight years ago. It's also fun as a chef to see how hard restaurants try to out do each other in the food arena. And the seafood after being landlocked for eight years was pretty amazing. For a short trip, I have a lot of great memories.
Today, write about a vacation that was too short but still elicits great memories. Was it the food? or the people or the sites that you remember. Write as if you're a travel writer and want people to visit your special place. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
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