Seth Godin doesn’t think you should write a book thinking you’ll make money off it. He’s written thirteen. I’m guessing he might know. But you should watch the video he links to, because it is very cool, and everything Taylor says about teachers can be said about writers. What do… Read more“Making it matter”
Category: Writing
Finding the time to write
Today let’s read a Scott Berkun article on time management. He calls it “The Cult of Busy.” I have a real problem getting any writing done these days, besides blogging and emails and paying jobs. I used to spend hours and hours out in the sunshine with a notepad and… Read more“Finding the time to write”
Being a voice in the literary choir
The history of literature is made up of millions of individual voices. Strive to be worthy of the choir.
Pin-pointing your novel climax
There’s really only one thing we can talk about today: CLIMAXES. The climax of your novel is, bizarrely enough, the premise. It’s the point of the entire story. Suppose you’re a writer working intensely on an incredibly deep and meaningful story. You’re an eighteenth-century American who’s been in Europe and… Read more“Pin-pointing your novel climax”
Making a scene out of your climax
So you’re sitting at the table in the captain’s cabin across from Assuipe, guzzling wine and trying not to bang your elbows on the brass table rail that keeps stuff from flying off during storms. He’s allowed you to change your britches, but you’re still wondering whether your heart will… Read more“Making a scene out of your climax”
5th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers Contest
All right, guys. It looks like the 5th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers Contest is being held for this year. Folks are over there nominating their favorite blogs written specifically for the in-depth edification and entertainment, the support and encouragement, the comedy and companionship, the sheer on-going benefit of… Read more“5th Annual Top 10 Blogs for Writers Contest”
The 1 big secret behind why we write
I picked this up on the Bloggess today, and although she’s applying it to bloggers, frankly I think it completely explains writers. COMPLETELY. Why do we do what we do? You know why? We’re not motivated by the money. No, we are not. It’s not there. Even if a writer… Read more“The 1 big secret behind why we write”
Philosophizing—drawing a line between good & bad
I believe that writers who have the sparkle suspect, but never know for certain, that they have it. In fact they’re more likely to have doubts about their work, for the simple reason that they experience glimpses of a perfection that no human pen can ever achieve. —Jane Steen This… Read more“Philosophizing—drawing a line between good & bad”
Philosophizing—defining writing as good
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but is it mightier than apathy? —Kathryn Estrada You guys. You’re like balm to the editorial soul. So let’s take this one step further. If good writing is writing that will last, what specifically does that mean? We know from our discussion… Read more“Philosophizing—defining writing as good”
Philosophizing—Noticing when writing’s bad
When every author is a marketer, only marketers will be authors. —me Here’s my question for you all to start you off philosophizing this week while I’m in San Jose: if no one notices bad writing is bad, is it still bad? One of the things that’s been bugging me… Read more“Philosophizing—Noticing when writing’s bad”