[If you haven’t yet, read about the dangers of toxic “friends” in Part 1 of “Writers: Choose Your Friends Wisely.”] Traits of a True Friend So…what are the characteristics of friends who best nurture our creativity and productivity? A. Supportive non-writer friends show an interest. They may not understand exactly what you do, but they […]
Month: March 2014
Writers: Choose Your Friends Wisely
As I pack my bag this week to head off to the “Sharing Our Hope” workshop, I give thanks for the writers I know that will be there and the new writing friends I expect to make. We writers need to nurture our creative sparks, rather than snuff them out (or allow someone else to […]
Draining a Writer's Reserves
“To create, one cannot be constantly other focused.” Gail Sheehy [I wish I had written the following article, but I didn’t. You should read it though, and maybe even print it out. It’s called “Encroachment,” and it’s by Robin La Fevers.] “Encroachment” “The pressing demands of daily life have a rather sobering ability to suck […]
Strong Writers Do This
During the past two years I’ve done more novel critiques than usual. Some have been so-so, some were very good, and a few have already sold. What made the difference between the “very good” stories and the manuscripts that sold? In my opinion, it was the overall strength of the novels. Often the “very good” book […]
Writing–and Writers–That Last
I’ve been watching Walton’s re-runs since the recent death of Ralph Waite. (He was the father of the Waltons.) So for you Waltons fans, here is a re-run of a post done after visiting Walton’s Mountain, VA…and what I learned about writers there. I’m going to reveal my age here–I was born the same year […]
Keeping the Dream Alive
Lately all my technology has decided to bite the dust. I’ve replaced the computer, the camera, and the Kindle. To this full-time writer, $$$ “emergencies” often mean taking on writing projects that will pay NOW. For me, that’s writing books and test material for educational publishers. I’m so thankful for the work, but it can […]