Sci-fi enthusiasts, help please! Here is your chance to evangelize by telling a newbie about the incredible joys of reading sci-fi. And, for readers interested in getting into sci-fi, this is for you. Let’s talk about sci-fi for newcomers to the genre or those out of the loop. My Background. Growing up, I was discouraged…
As a freelancer, working at home isn’t a new concept. It has its perks like no morning traffic, no dress code, no childcare expenses, and working at my pace (except for deadlines), taking several breaks throughout the day, and flexibility. However, it’s not as glamorous or necessarily easy as those lifestyle bloggers and MLM huns…
The cynic is the most misunderstood character. He or she can be mistaken for a pessimistic asshole or whiny bitch. If a person is truly pessimistic, he would appear apathetic. Think about it. We all know that the world isn’t a great place and things are getting worse. We are all frustrated with leadership, government,…
That’s a question, I ask all my clients. It tells me their intention and purpose. As an editor, that helps me ensure that their writing consistently aligns with their intended purpose or vision. And, the follow-up to the question is, “And, why should your readers care? What do you hope your readers will get out of…
I’ve been there myself—many times. There was a time when I simply couldn’t write and thought about giving up. I thought my aspirations must be a joke. I must be the dumbest person in my writing class. Everyone has been there, even those with the book awards. If not, either you haven’t experienced it yet or you are a liar. I still wouldn’t call those times writer’s block. I suggest avoiding the term “writer’s block” like the plague.
In each of our pen lives, getting into a creative rut is common. If that happens, it’s necessary to push through. I imagine a seedling pushing its way through the ground or a hatchling pecking its way out of the eggshell. There’s no other way out. At times, the daily grind of a writer can feel mundane. Don’t let…
Writing memoir does not appeal to me. Regardless, I decided to give it a try. And, I absolutely hated it. The writing process felt like torture. I’m not ready to write about certain things in my past. I’m meant to be a fiction writer and maybe essayist but not a writer of memoir. I cringe when people…
The most memorable stories I’ve read were the types of stories that brought me into the world the author created. Regardless of genre or fiction or non-fiction, you are telling the story by letting the reader experience the world of your characters and action. The setting serves not only as the backdrop but also the…
Failing NaNoWriMo was a mirror to my soul. I got to see that it is perfectly acceptable to let go and try things. I’m not overly disappointed. Attempting NaNoWriMo gave me the boost to finish several chapters. Through NaNoWriMo Write-Ins and local activities, I had the chance to meet new people that I would have otherwise not met.
I recently stumbled on an advice column on The New York Magazine “Should I Give Up on my Writing?” A frustrated writer in her mid-50s was expressing her frustration and readiness to give up writing. She wants to make it and wants to breakthrough. I enjoyed reading the response. Now, I’ll be giving my two cents…
