I took Marvel characters for granted till now. My 7-year-old stepson is into superheroes and loves spiderman, X-men, Iron man cartoons, and of course pirates. My husband creates graphic novels. Since he was a teenager, he created his own universe of characters and worlds. We both love mythology. I’ve also been studying Joseph Campbell’s Heroic…
I don’t particularly like writing about spiritual topics. It’s not my writing forte. And, it requires wrestling through traumatic experiences. My past experiences with religion left me feeling empty, disgusted, and cynical. I’ll try to process my rage and be as diplomatic as possible. Name-calling and bitchiness is not helpful to me or anyone else. It’s…
I’ve been very quiet lately. That’s one drawback of being an extrovert. My coworkers and others have been asking me if I’m OK—because I’m not as chatty or energetic. When I’m tired, I’m quiet. I’m quiet because I’m trying to process in my mind. I feel exhausted, frustrated, and grieving. It’s been an intense, depressing…
As a freelancer, there is the flexibility in schedule, not having to deal with traffic jam, and creativity to build your own brand. It’s rewarding. However, it takes hard work. Unlike working for someone, I do not have a boss who gives me work or feedback, a marketing or sales team who brings me clients, a…
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…
I haven’t been lately blogging. I’m now embracing married life with a 7-year-old stepson. Luis and I tied the knot on July 23rd. Even for a small wedding ceremony and reception, it gets hectic and at times stressful during the last couple of weeks. So many details and tasks. Luis and I got away to Narragansett, Rhode…
Some people prefer gender neutral names for different reasons. I’m wondering about something similar with ethnic names. It’s not about being ashamed of ethnicity or name. I have no problems with my very South Indian name and didn’t change it to an “American” name. It’s about celebrating the cosmopolitan international mindset that I have as a third…
Most people are familiar with goal setting. One of my habits is having a journal entirely devoted to writing goals where I list them and then reflect or journal about it. It’s short and sweet but this keeps me on track. Having writerly wishes is different from goal setting. Think about the time you were…
Summer or spring time seems to be the time for writer conferences. Writers conferences are not only a treat but a great opportunity to network, get inspired and refreshed, and of course pitch your ideas to editors and agents. I have attended writer conferences for years, been involved in organizing it, and when I was an acquisitions…
Plenty could be said about the weekend. I was looking forward to learning, being encouraged and renewed, meeting new people, and plugging into the literary scene of Boston/New England. I also left with a new reading list and goals for the year as a writer. GrubStreet is the ultimate consortium for any writer or publishing professional…
