The ancient Egyptians revered their scribes. The pharaoh was a scribe. One of the craters on the moon is named after Thoth, god of the scribes. According to a poem that I believe is ancient (but can't remember where I found it or all of the words), the scribes may be dead, their families gone, but what they wrote will keep the memory of them alive as long as there are … [Read more...] about Building Our Own Monuments by Lani Longshore
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Character, Plot and Writing Happiness by Lani Longshore
I started writing another book. I have a title (The Captain and Chenille), and a concept. That is, I had a concept until I realized the universe is telling me to rethink the idea. I wasn't listening to my characters telling me what they wanted to do, and my writing time wasn't happy. First came the October Tri-Valley Writers workshop with Scott Evans. His concept that … [Read more...] about Character, Plot and Writing Happiness by Lani Longshore
A Second Chance at Ekphrasis by Lani Longshore
Even if you missed the deadline to write about the artwork on the Winterfest 2017 page, here is a visual prompt to let you experience the challenge now. My husband and I bought this vine because we had never seen such an unusual flower. The gardener in him looked forward to seeing it wind its way up a pergola. The Sci-Fi writer in me saw opportunities for … [Read more...] about A Second Chance at Ekphrasis by Lani Longshore
Lament for the Winter Solstice by Lani Longshore
And so the darkest day arrives, and everywhere the storytellers settle in to bring the people through the night. Or we would, if someone would leave us alone long enough to write the story first, then revise it, then send it to beta readers, and finally do one last edit before the performance. Every year, I envision the perfect holiday. The house is beautifully decorated, … [Read more...] about Lament for the Winter Solstice by Lani Longshore
What I Discovered At The Bottom Of The Pile by Lani Longshore
My organizational system is one of stack management. I try to keep elements to any given project in the same general vicinity on my desk, but sometimes I don't work at my desk. Then all bets are off. Luckily, every so often there's a meeting at my house, or a relative visiting, or a holiday, and I have to clean. I'm always amazed at what I find. This time of year I have to … [Read more...] about What I Discovered At The Bottom Of The Pile by Lani Longshore
When a Writer Gives Thanks by Lani Longshore
This year I am giving thanks to the army of on-line security workers. These people, who think up such clever questions to answer when setting up a new account, have just given me another opportunity to create backstory for my characters. Consider the questions: what is your favorite music? what was your first car? what was the mascot of your high … [Read more...] about When a Writer Gives Thanks by Lani Longshore
Got An Hour? by Camille DeFer Thompson
Tri-Valley Writers is gearing up for a busy year. I volunteered to put together the flyers for our upcoming events. I love designing newsletters, brochures, posters and the like. I’m quirky that way. I’ll also help again this year decorating the bulletin boards advertising our events at local libraries. Along with other TVW dedicated volunteers, fellow member and good … [Read more...] about Got An Hour? by Camille DeFer Thompson
Why I Write by Camille DeFer Thompson
How might a musician answer the question, “Why do you play?” What would an artist reply to, “Why do you paint?” My fascination for the written word began early in life. At the tender age of eleven, I submitted a short story to the children’s column of the Oakland Tribune, and won top honors. Over the years, I learned that many of my co-workers found writing tasks to be near … [Read more...] about Why I Write by Camille DeFer Thompson
