Today I feel good about my productivity. That's not always the case. I have my second short story out for critique. I am tidying up my poem due for my creative writing class on Monday. All in all, not bad for the creative side. On the academic side, I've also gotten a green light to … Continue reading Plodding Along
Tag: Writing
Gearing Up
It's now August. Even though the new year kicks off in January, there's something about the fall and the beginning of another academic year that makes me feel like September is the start of the year. You buy a few new clothes, sharpen the pencils, get the papers and digital documents in order, and it's … Continue reading Gearing Up
Taos Toolbox!
I was accepted to Taos Toolbox! I am so excited right now! I know my writing will benefit greatly from the experience. Two weeks with Walter Jon Williams, Nancy Kress, and guest lecturer Carrie Vaughn will definitely be a way to stretch as a writer...and I can't wait! What a way to welcome the new … Continue reading Taos Toolbox!
Cappuccinos and Consistency
I love this time of the year. The leaves turning those vivid shades of gold and red, the crispness of the air--my favorite season. It feels like I've got more energy. And thanks to the editorial calendar, I'm becoming more consistent. Want to create your own calendar? It's less than $20 to start. You'll need: … Continue reading Cappuccinos and Consistency
The Big Picture
I can't see the big picture as clearly. Electronic calendars only go so far for me. I've been hearing about editorial calendars. I know magazines have them, but it seems like more and more writers are using them too. I bought a magnetic dry erase board today. I began mapping out all my writing meetings. … Continue reading The Big Picture
MFA Daze
The last few months have been lived in a daze. I sent out two applications for the MFA. Prior to this, I had been so convinced I was going for my Ph.D. But funding did not materialize, and now I see it as a blessing in disguise. I began writing fiction again as a way … Continue reading MFA Daze
Rejectomancy
The art of rejection...as a writer, we all need to learn it. But oddly, there are different levels of rejection. There's the flat out "No." Then there's the "We regret to inform you" or "We're sorry to say that...." But there's an odd thing about rejection. It seems it's actually a fine art. The … Continue reading Rejectomancy
Tyranny of Time
No matter what, time is something we all have to contend with. Sometimes it flies. Sometimes it just drags on. It seems no matter what, every day is so jammed full with activities lately, I can't get the things that matter most to me done. I need to ponder the big questions. Where do I … Continue reading Tyranny of Time
Falling From Grace
Falling is not anyone's favorite activity. It hurts. I did it today, and banged myself up good. But over the last year, metaphorically, I've been falling. Long-held dreams fell through. Ideas of success have also fallen on their collective face. So, now I've done the actual act, too. Ouch. So, what does falling have to … Continue reading Falling From Grace
Editing vs. Writing
Editing seems easy. After all, you take the pages, sit down, and wade through. You have the illusion of being omniscient. The pen flies across the page and the manuscript becomes more brilliant. Sometimes it can be like hitting a wall. Maybe you realize a mass of changes is needed and suddenly you're plunged back … Continue reading Editing vs. Writing
