March 2012
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Jeanette Winterson’s 10 rules for writing
I pulled this list from The Guardian’s “Ten rules for writing fiction,” described as “Inspired by Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing” Because I’m deep in editing a memoir draft, I dropped the fiction reference. Winterson’s rules fit any type of writing, which is appropriate given her just-published memoir Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?
Turn up for work. Discipline allows creative...
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News from Portland: an ode to spring fever →
When I moved from Seattle to Denver, the first thing I noticed was how much more energy I had. The source: SUN. I had no idea what a huge difference it made. I lived in the Pacific Northwest for thirteen years, so I had adapted to the gloomy winters. But there is one thing I miss: spring fever. Even with feet of snow, we’ll have bright blue skies in Denver. In Seattle, when we woke to that...
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When the website says 'send to the submissions... →
I’ve wondered about this myself, but always assumed it meant “network your way to us.” According to Query Quagmire, perhaps it doesn’t.
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“Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.”
– ~ Arthur Miller
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From naked self to compelling narrative voice
It’s rare to hear the word “memoir” mentioned without “voice” following a few words behind. Author Mary Karr (The Liars’ Club, Cherry, and Lit) has said in interviews “In memoir, the only through-line is the character represented by voice. So you better make the reader damn curious about who’s talking.”
So how do you create that voice? Vivian...
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“I am revising. I am not so much killing my darlings as holding a knife to their...”
– ~ Elizabeth McCracken
I am a huge Elizabeth McCracken fan. She creates the most wonderful, tilted worlds that feel real yet take you into another dimension, like Dorothy stepping into the technicolor Land of Oz.
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Book trailer for Tomboy Style →
Whether or not you’re interested in the content of TOMBOY STYLE by Lizzie Garret Mettler, this book trailer is a great example of what can be done for authors. This trailer is personable, simple and interesting.
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Betsy Lerner's top 10 reasons to live with a... →
If you’re not reading literary agent Betsy Lerner’s blog, you’re missing out on a great daily read. She’ll tell you just like it is. I love her top 10 reasons to live with a writer, though I have to confess I’ve never played Bananograms. #writers
