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IWSG: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?
When I went to journalism school at the University of Colorado, Boulder, we were taught to report the facts – the who, what, when, where and how. And, to get that information into the first paragraph (the “lead”). So, when writing fiction, it’s nice to have more leeway in including emotion and description into my imaginary stories. Fewer rules result in more creativity! However, there are a few rules that still drive me to drink (or at least to ponder a glass of wine). One of the rules that I’d wish I’d never heard of was to never begin a sentence with “And, …” In marketing and creative writing, it…
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IWSG and CTST: Favorite aspect of being a writer?
Celebrate the Small Things – Being a creative writer! Entry for November’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group: If you enjoy writing, which I do, there is nothing in the world like the feeling of writing fiction. There is something magical that happens when I begin to think about a story idea, then imagine characters and what their lives might be like and then proceed with the plot. It’s my favorite aspect of being a writer. I’ve written short stories and then, years later, re-read those stories and it’s like I’m reading them again for the first time. Some days I can’t believe that I’ve written them. Let me be clear – it’s…
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IWSG: When do you know your story is ready? 5 tips to consider …
Entry for October’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group: Although I haven’t had a fiction story or novel published, I have published “for hire” articles in B2B magazines. One article was for Energybiz magazine on the benefits to companies of offering recurring online charge payments for things like utility bills. Another article discussed the challenges to Florida public safety communications during a hurricane. In my personal and professional writing, I know my article is ready when: · I’ve reviewed it and taken out as many extraneous words as possible. I write my first draft and then go back and only keep what is absolutely necessary. · I feel like all the questions…
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IWSG: How do I find time to write in my busy day?
As I write my post for September’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I have to admit I don’t have this one figured out. I’m having a lot of trouble finding the time to write. I’m not a morning person, so the idea of waking up an hour early and sitting down at the computer scares me. I wonder if my husband, dog and kitties would find me several hours later asleep, face plastered to the keyboard! I work eight-plus hours per day, Monday through Friday. I also periodically work some evenings and weekends. When I get home in the evening, there are only a few hours left after the pets and humans…
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Celebrate the small things: Insecure Writer’s Support Group
CTST: This week I am celebrating having joined a group of writers called the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. It may still be the honeymoon period but I’ve really enjoyed it thus far! I’ve become familiar with a few new bloggers. What’s different and most appreciated about this group is that many are where I want to be – in the published author category. I have had business articles published but nothing in the fiction arena. On the first Wednesday of everything month, members write about their struggles and successes. Some have several titles published and some, like me, are working towards that goal. In any case, I am grateful for…
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No writing is a waste
It’s Wednesday! Besides hump day, it’s the day that I begin a monthly blog hop with the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. Just one blog a month, on the first Wednesday of the month. Surely I can do this! Today’s question: What happened to your first pieces of writing? I recently found a three-ring binder with my writing from a college creative writing class. I was a freshman and many entries weren’t very good. In fact, I remember that I didn’t get to spend much time on the various projects the professor assigned because I was working 25-30 hours per week, work-study, to help pay for my tuition. One of the…
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Kindness Challenge (wk3) and CTST: Kind energy
In Celebrating the Small Things – I got through the week with the flu and work and tried to get enough rest to heal quickly. Still shooting to have my cataract surgery on Wednesday, if I’m not coughing. Please pray for me! Kindness Challenge update: I’m realizing that although the goal of week 3 is to incorporate kindness into my thoughts and actions, that this is probably going to be a life-long journey. I certainly didn’t master it this week. My husband and I both had the flu so I tried to be kind but failed as often as I succeeded, because my energy level was nil. I tried to…
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Kindness Challenge (wk2) & CTST: Find kindness
I’m a little late because the dreaded flu bug got a hold of me late last week. The kindness I noticed around me was encouraging, although I didn’t feel well. My husband and I even remarked that living in a smaller town, people are nicer to each other, whether you talk with them at the local grocery store, restaurant or gardening center. There’s a sense of community even if you don’t personally know everyone. It also seems more important to frequent local, family-run businesses versus large company chains, because you are usually supporting generations of families. It’s sometimes the smallest acts of kindness that stick with me. A co-worker bringing…
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Seven weeks of kindness
I’m participating in a 2016 Kindness Challenge. Each Monday, we’ll have a different prompt to enact in our lives and, by Friday, the blog will be written, hopefully inspired by the topic. The person who is coordinating this challenge is Niki Lopez, on her blog The Richness of a Simple Life. I’m looking forward to it and hope that it is an encouraging experience, not only for me but perhaps for those around me. There can never be too much kindness in the world, that’s for sure. Drop back by to view the full list in the series. #RevofKindness Week 1: Start your day with kindness Week 2: Observe kindness around…
