My contribution to The Writer's Vineyard this month shares a few lessons learned from bringing my second book into the world. And yes, it includes the recommendation to take your book out on a date night, just the two of you. Read it all here.
The Writers Vineyard
Completely finished…?
In my contribution to the Writers Vineyard this month, I ponder what it means to finish a book. Or if we ever really are completely finished. Here's an excerpt: Maybe it's perfectionism, although I think there's something more. I think there is also a reluctance to let go of these characters, in this world. Oh, … Continue reading Completely finished…?
How things happen
This month, my contribution to The Writers' Vineyard is about the curious ways things come about, at least in my writing life. How about yours - do you live according to plan, or do things just happen? Here's a teaser. Each spring offers these opportunities to take the universe up on its invitation to pursue … Continue reading How things happen
The Miraculous Jumble Pile
You know that pile of stuff in your basement, garage, or attic? Well, my mind seems to have one, too. And sometimes, it hides a great idea for a story. That's what my contribution to The Writers Vineyard this month is all about. Here's an excerpt: Preparing the first 27 pages (why 27? who knows, … Continue reading The Miraculous Jumble Pile
Writing solitude
My contribution to the Writers' Vineyard this month: musing on the dance between solitude and company, and ways we need to make room for both. Sometimes it seems the writing life is one of solitude. While there are times (notably during write-ins for NaNoWriMo) when I can pound away at the keyboard surrounded by people, … Continue reading Writing solitude
Last minute lessons, on the Writers’ Vineyard
For my end of year post on the Writers' Vineyard, I tossed together a few lessons from 2013, the year I became a published author. Written at the last minute, of course. Here is lesson number one: Authorship means negotiating a series of paradoxes. Writing is solitary and communal, it is art and business, it … Continue reading Last minute lessons, on the Writers’ Vineyard
Disabling the inner editor
One of my favorite parts of NaNoWriMo - giving my inner editor's mean side a thirty-day vacation. While she buffers in the background, here's my monthly contribution to the Writers' Vineyard. An excerpt: My inner editor can, at times, make my work better. But like the older operating system and browser on my MacBook, sooner … Continue reading Disabling the inner editor
The heart of your story
This month, my contribution to the Writers' Vineyard is about finding the heart of your story. Not just the story you want to publish, but the story you want to live: If we focus on what is essential about ourselves as writers, we can let the rest go. Follow all the suggestions and feedback we … Continue reading The heart of your story
Lessons from the Slushpile, etc.
This month my contribution to The Writers' Vineyard chronicles a few things I've learned from reading slushpile (unsolicited) manuscripts, and e-book contest entries. Hint: art is often about breaking the rules. Isn't it? Read the whole post here, and read the entertaining and enlightening musings of fellow Champagne Book Group authors while you're there.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting (a book): Absolutely Nothing
In my July contribution to The Writers' Vineyard, I propose a helpful workshop for newly published, first-time authors: Expect Absolutely Nothing. Read it all here, and find out what you might miss while waiting for that first breathless National Public Radio interview.
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 