How to Get Beyond Chapter 1

How to Get Beyond Chapter 1

by | Sep 30, 2016

Image courtesy of imagery majestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net “I can’t get past the first chapter,” a frustrated writer confided. “I start, then go back and read it . . . and it stinks.” I’ve heard the lament repeatedly. And I’m delighted when I hear some of those...
Who?

Who?

by | Mar 12, 2015

Who do you want to read your story? Everyone? Oh-oh. That creates a problem. If you write your story or book to everyone, your language and style will likely wander. Your various readers will tend to get lost at some point, lay your masterpiece down, and find...
Morning Pages

Morning Pages

by | Mar 4, 2015

Several years ago I took a writing class at a local college. The professor’s first assignment surprised me—morning pages. She instructed us to get an 8 ½” x 11” spiral notebook and every morning handwrite at least three pages in it. Handwrite? I wondered. I’d already...
Observation Jump-Start

Observation Jump-Start

by | Mar 4, 2015

Staring at a blank computer screen or a blank piece of paper can be daunting. Forego the frustration. Forget writing your masterpiece for the moment. We’ll get there. But first, jump-start the process. Cultivate curiosity. Listen and look. Observe the commonplace in...