If I had to pick the most exciting half hour of my summer, I'd choose the thirty minutes I spent with Kyle Pressley, a man not my husband. We connected. He understood me. I was head over heels in love with his machine. That would be the Espresso Book Machine (EBM), one of the newest production options for writers. I heard about this nifty new way to create a book from a … [Read more...] about EBM, the most awesome, coolest writer’s tool ever by Julie Royce
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Capture the Moment by Violet Carr Moore
The ocean tide pushes a wave toward the shoreline, crashing onto the rocks and bowing a hasty retreat. Another wave follows, drenching the wet sand, obliterating all but the memory of the previous wave. A photographer captures the scene and enhances it through digital format. A painter dabs at canvas with brushes and watercolors. A writer, a word artist, portrays the moment … [Read more...] about Capture the Moment by Violet Carr Moore
Pen Gremlin by Deborah Bernal
Ever agree to pet sit for a friend? As a writer, I envisioned quiet writing time away from my life's interruptions. I packed up my writing instruments: computer, manuscript, notes, and favorite pen. As a writer, I have my superstitions. Like an athlete, I rely on a good luck charm, my special pen to write the bare bones of the scene. Then I flesh it out into my computer. This … [Read more...] about Pen Gremlin by Deborah Bernal
The invisible student by Violet Carr Moore
My recent scholarship to study writing mandated an English assessment at Las Positas College. "Arrive fifteen minutes early," the online instructions warned. "No admittance after the test begins." Arriving even earlier, I peeked through the heavy glass framing a locked door. Dark, no movement inside. I retreated to a wooden and wrought iron park bench on the shaded corridor. … [Read more...] about The invisible student by Violet Carr Moore
Life cycles, schedules, and the writing gods by Lani Longshore
My empty nest is full again. Both kids are home for an indeterminate period while they seek employment. Having them home isn't the issue-it's having them home with their own schedules. When they were in school, my writing life was bound by their calendar. From September to June, mid-morning to mid-afternoon was mine. Creatively speaking, I'm not a morning person, and I can … [Read more...] about Life cycles, schedules, and the writing gods by Lani Longshore
The spelling bee by Violet Carr Moore
I was a timid grammar school student-the proper term back then. I didn't raise my hand in class. I hated standing up front, the object of everyone's attention. My shyness persisted to upper elementary. In the eighth grade, teachers recognized my expanded vocabulary and A+ spelling abilities and encouraged me-pushed is a more definitive word-to participate in the school spelling … [Read more...] about The spelling bee by Violet Carr Moore
Toledo Vader Road, the unwritten story by Lani Longshore
One of my favorite travel games is collecting odd names. I have a list of them - names of towns, roads, businesses. Some of them become titles of stories, some of them become titles of quilts, some of them serve as a source of amusement on boring days. This game is easier to play on state and county roads rather than on the Interstate. I can't remember where I was when I saw … [Read more...] about Toledo Vader Road, the unwritten story by Lani Longshore
Wasting Time by Lani Longshore
I've always wanted to pitch a home decorating show called "Like You're Really Going To Do That." The concept is to take all the fashionable ideas designers spit out and see how they stand up to real life. The idea came to me when my reaction to a bathroom makeover wasn't "oh, how pretty" but "who's going to clean that?" Writing experts provoke a similar reaction. Write back … [Read more...] about Wasting Time by Lani Longshore
