A writing experiment, a workshop, and an update to The Writer's Process Hi Reader, If you're in any part of the U.S. that has been buried in snow and frozen in subzero temperatures, I hope this email warms you. Times are tricky indeed—which makes it more important that we write for ourselves and others. I've read many moving, personal stories of experiences with ICE and with ice this winter. Here are three things that might help: February's writing experiment, useful for anyone having trouble...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Hello Reader, As I type this, a dozen cedar waxwings perch on the bare branches of the plum tree outside my window. I'll take that as a good sign. Reading the news is difficult these days, but looking out the window almost always delivers. Books are another great escape during turbulent times. I've just finished a couple memoirs by great writers: Joyride by Susan Orlean and Working by Robert Caro. Those writers' stories inspired this week's post. Because the post is short, you can read the...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
January's writing experiment: Sensory images Happy New Year, Reader! The first full week of January—the one where the working world opens up again—always feels like a small shock. This year is no exception. During the holidays I have been hard at work on a major revision to The Writer's Process in honor of its ten year anniversary this year. I thought it would be a minor revision, but when I dove in, I found I wanted to make a lot of changes! And I'm having fun doing it. Watch for more coming...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
A list of recommendations and a planning workshop Happy holidays, Reader! We're almost at the solstice, the holidays, the end of the year—all turning points and opportunities for reflection. And food. And reading! The holidays in my family are pretty much about books. My grandmother used to give us all books. Then my parents took up the mantel of book distributors. Now I sending books to my siblings, exchange them with my adult children, and buy them for my toddler grandson. (His love of...
2 months ago • 3 min read
December's Writing Voice exercise It's the last month of the year, Reader. What's in store for you? In this issue, you'll find: The December book give-away (about writing jokes) A writing voice exercise (about emotion, complete with holiday music) Advice on employing editors Let's get started. Written any good jokes lately? How about a fun book for the last month of the year? I'm giving away a copy of Elliott Kalan's brand-new book Joke Farming. And we're doing the drawing now (rather than...
3 months ago • 2 min read
What happens in the very beginning Hello Reader, Working on anything interesting? I'm cracking open The Writer's Process with the thought of revising it for its tenth anniversary next year. And once I opened it, of course I realized how much I want to add and refine. So, I'm at that daunting point of possibility. Want to come along for the ride? If that book has had an impact on you, I'd love to hear about it! I'll be assembling a few stories. December's book give-away If you're searching for...
3 months ago • 1 min read
November's Writing Voice exercise Happy November, Reader! Thanksgiving may not show up until late this month (in the States), but the season of gratitude knows no calendar boundaries. And when times seem dark, connection and gratitude are balms. Lately, I find myself grateful for books that challenge or expand my thinking, that connect me with other perspectives. I'm also grateful for the chance to work with authors writing books like that. And, I'm thankful for connecting with writers like...
4 months ago • 2 min read
On reading your older writing Hello Reader, I started carefully re-reading The Writer's Process, in advance of its 10-year anniversary next year. (I'm trying to figure out if I want/need to update it.) While I'm completely familiar with the ideas in the book (I've been talking about them for a decade), my voice of ten years ago is less familiar. Occasionally, a sentence I don't remember writing delights me: "What can we offer as writers, if not our unique slant on the world?" In other places,...
4 months ago • 2 min read
October's Writing Voice exercise Hi Reader, It's October already. Cue the pumpkin spice, sweaters, and in my neighborhood, insanely escalating Halloween decorations. (Seriously. One of our neighbors carves so many pumpkins that USA Today wrote about them! No pressure...) Instead of pumpkins, I'm offering a grab bag of resources for writers: a challenge, a conference, a book, and of course a writing exercise. Let's dive in. Novel November is almost here! Do you dream of writing a quick first...
5 months ago • 1 min read