Writing Inspiration: Character Development

I had a total epiphany today.  Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a strong word, but still. I was talking with one of the seniors.  She told me about an essay she was writing for English about her high school experience.  She let me read it, and I really loved her voice – the vulnerability [...]

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Visual Inspiration

I am ever so excited to start my new project.  I’m in the pre-writing stage — developing characters and back-story and outlining.  One of the things I LOVE about pre-writing is visual inspiration.  I hunt for images that bring the story to life. For the next few weeks (or however long I see fit), I’ll [...]

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A Little Epiphany About Writing

Reverb10, December 2:  Writing What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? ________________________________ So when I first started thinking about this prompt, my mind went to all the logical, practical places.  I took the question literally, and thought — well, what specific thing do I [...]

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The Novelist’s Crime

You may have noticed something missing from my blog lately.  Or maybe you haven’t.  In which case, allow me to rephrase:  something has been missing from my blog lately.  And here it is — I haven’t been talking a whole heck of a lot about writing. I’ve got about a thousand excuses for this.  But [...]

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Seeking: Ah-Mazing Writing Course

I think I’d like to take a writing course. I’m yearning for a group to share my writing with, and I sort of love being in a classroom setting.  I love lectures, I love class discussions, I love learning.  Not to mention, I’m craving some interaction with other writers.  I’ve tried to find a good [...]

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Next Stop: Revisions

So I’m ready to move into the next stage of writing my novel.  And I’m thrilled!  I’m officially starting the first round of revisions on my manuscript. Have I mentioned that I’ve been arguing with myself the past few days about whether I should finish unpacking and organizing the house or just write?  Well, that’s [...]

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Confessions of a Procrastinating Writer

With the move to Seattle, my writing has been on the back burner for several weeks. I slowed down immensely when I started packing up the apartment in Pasadena.  It’s hard for me to write when things are in disarray.  Not to mention, I had a lot to do to get ready for the move. [...]

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Novelist’s Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes

This post was written by Heather Rae.  Follow me on Twitter or Facebook. I probably mentioned in previous posts that I try to read a new book about the craft of writing every month.  By doing this, I’ve learned a ton.  And every time I close another book, I realize just how much I have [...]

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Every Last Bit of Energy

This post was written by Heather Rae.  Follow me on Twitter or Facebook. I nearly finished the first draft of my novel.  Cause for celebration!  Except I’ve been sitting here all day, struggling with how to end this darn thing. I made a list of possible endings.  And another list.  And then another.  I’m sure, [...]

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My Search for the Perfect Writer’s Conference

Last year, I attended my first writer’s conference.  Before arriving, I felt pretty intimidated.  I had no idea what I would encounter — welcoming writers or nose-in-the-air authors.  It turned out my fear was completely misplaced.  The conference was amazing.  It was a brilliant learning opportunity, I was energized to keep going with my writing, [...]

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