Fairyland: Brownies, Boggarts, and Banshees
To prepare for her next novel, the author learns a bit about the personnel of fairyland including brownies, boggarts, and banshees.
How to Write an Autobiographical Novel
“I told my students all the time: writing fiction is an exercise in giving a shit—an exercise in finding out what you really care about.”
What’s the Purpose of a Book Review?
The book review star rating system is meaningless. The sole purpose of a book review is to inform the potential buyer about the contents of books. A good review allows that buyer to know if the book being reviewed is … Continued
Three Elements of Great Writing: Bridge of Clay
This is round two of looking at Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak. In the last post, I looked at why it isn’t really a YA novel although it was marketed as one in the US. This time, I want … Continued
Writing Lessons from Ron Carlson
Writing Lessons from Ron Carlson I’ve never read anything by Ron Carlson that I didn’t enjoy. I began with his short stories and later read two novels, “Return to Oakpine” and “The Signal.” Later I read “Ron Carlson Writes a … Continued
Horror: The Haunting of Hill House, Lovecraft and More
Multiple Horrors We didn’t begin with Shirley Jackson or the Haunting of Hill House this week. My sons and I started our email conversation about an article in the LA Review of Books on how authors are reimagining H. P. … Continued
Stoking the Creative Fire: Fabric, Wool, Nature
Creative Fire Blocks As I discussed in my last post, I don’t think that there is any special condition we can label writer’s block; however, this year I have come to believe in ‘life block.’ Not only have I had … Continued
Writer’s Block, Life Block, and the Desire for Connection
Writer’s Block or Life Block? I don’t believe in writer’s block because, generally speaking, there is no muse hanging out. In fact, I’m not entirely sure what writer’s block is supposed to be. I get a few ideas a day … Continued
How I Became a Writer
A Slow Learner All things come to me slowly. I wish it weren’t so. I love stories of epiphany, of lightning bolt inspiration. But my consciousness river is turbulent with questions of creativity, of ethics, of purpose. What is heavy … Continued
Inlandia Teen Issue: Time to submit!
posted in: Call for Submissions, Inlandia Institute, Literary Journeys, Writing Advice, YA literature |
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Happy New Year! I just want to remind teens that the submission deadline for Inlandia: A Literary Journey is coming up on February 15. The new year is a great time to commit to getting your favorite pieces of … Continued