I belong to several critique groups, and I'm also a beta reader. The process of taking another writer's words and seeing if I have a moment of inspiration that might make a good piece better is exhilarating. I often benefit as much if not more by the analysis. I have also discovered that I'm becoming an expert in assigning work. The first time it happened, one of the authors … [Read more...] about Inconvenient Inspiration by Lani Longshore
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The Value of Training by Lani Longshore
Enough time has passed that I've evaluated my writing resolutions list and wondered what I was thinking at the end of December. Usually I toss my list away, but this year I want to encourage us all to add one more item to it. Let's resolve to make 2016 the year we get more training. I can hear the screams already. Who has the time, money, or energy to take classes? How can I … [Read more...] about The Value of Training by Lani Longshore
Like Rose Petals, or Why the Paperless Society Is a Terrible Idea by Lani Longshore
This morning I remembered what I had forgotten. Yesterday I made a note to self to check an old to-do list. What I had forgotten was not on that list, but now I've remembered, so it's okay (or will be, as soon as I do what I remembered I had forgotten). The point is, I might not have remembered at all if I hadn't scattered notes to self all over the house like rose petals at a … [Read more...] about Like Rose Petals, or Why the Paperless Society Is a Terrible Idea by Lani Longshore
Gratitude for Writing Time by Lani Longshore
Thanksgiving starts the holiday season, including the Time of Gratitude. Those who completed NaNoWriMo know what I mean. No matter how grudgingly, your friends and family had to give you the gift of time to write or you never would have finished those 50,000 words. The same will be true in December, the King Kong of holiday months. If you get a chance to write, be … [Read more...] about Gratitude for Writing Time by Lani Longshore
Quotes About Plot by Julaina Kleist-Corwin
“Trying to understand modern art is like trying to follow the plot in a bowl of alphabet soup.” “Do not assume anything Obi-Wan. Clear your mind must be if you are to discover the real villains behind this plot.” “You get to that point in life where change is inevitable. A change in scenery, a change of wardrobe, a change in the structure of things. It’s a step that’s … [Read more...] about Quotes About Plot by Julaina Kleist-Corwin
Writer’s Wisdom: A Quote Challenge by Violet Carr Moore
Well-known authors—mostly dead—push to the front, vying for mention in my quote challenge blogs. Either write things worth the reading, Or do things worth the writing. ―Benjamin Franklin I’m trying, Ben, but you forgot to publish the DIY how-to section. The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes.” ―Agatha Christie Sorry, Ms. Christie, but … [Read more...] about Writer’s Wisdom: A Quote Challenge by Violet Carr Moore
Writing in a Story-saturated World by Lani Longshore
At a CWC Mt. Diablo Branch workshop on writing emotion, Amanda McTigue pointed out that whether people are reading or not they are still exposed to stories every day. Movies, television, sometimes even advertising are all informing our potential readers. When there are so many stories floating in the air, how can we make our work stand out? The short answer is to do the best … [Read more...] about Writing in a Story-saturated World by Lani Longshore
This Is Why I Don’t Knit
I returned from a two-week holiday and looked at my notes for the next section of my novel. After much consideration, I realized I had no idea what I meant when I wrote those notes. There was no obvious pick-up line, and once again I remembered why I don't knit―I could never find my way back into a piece once I put it down. Even if I've left myself instructions, there are times … [Read more...] about This Is Why I Don’t Knit
