I have a student in one of my English Composition classes who has had a problem all semester hitting word counts. She just doesn’t go into any depth of thought. She rushes through for the sake of getting done and then back to whatever it is she’s so interested in on her phone. Along the […]
Tag: Writing
Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande
Based on the online reviews, people love Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. I read this short book because I recently reread Bradbury’s Zen in the Art of Writing and he recommended this book. I didn’t have a deep response to this text, although, I like the idea of using different forms of meditation to […]
Building Something New
Critique Groups
I’m a strong proponent of writers participating in critique groups. Feedback is so important–not just for new writers, but all writers. I participate in several critique groups. I have two small, private groups that each meet twice a month. We read our work and then receive feedback. There’s something remarkable that happens over time working […]
Zen in the Art of Writing
Accepted
A Place Called Freedom
Just finished Ken Follett’s novel, A Place Called Freedom. I’m a mixed fan of Follett. He creates these amazing, sweeping historic tales that cover a lot of ground. And, yet, there’s so little emotion on the page. It’s difficult to become emotionally invested in his characters (and even for long periods to tell them apart.) […]
Rejection, Again
What can a writer do but submit their work. I’ve selected a few literary journals that I would love to see my work in and I’ve been sending them short fiction. So far, only rejection. No notes. No explanations. No encouragement. Just generic rejection notices (some in print, some digital). It’s the grind. It’s the […]