“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. “–E.L. Doctorow At the August meeting of the Kansas Writers Association, several members jokingly referred to their writing experience as “hearing voices.” Although schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, most writers have regular occurring bouts of voices in their heads. Fellow KWA member B.D. Tharp talks about “the…
Category: Writing Craft
Doubt is a Snuggie
Doubt is one size fits all. It comes in many sizes, shapes and colors. Kind of like a Snuggie. It covers and envelops our bodies and spirits and hearts, squeezing out all imagination. Doubt is just another word for fear, and that can be paralyzing. Think back to when you submitted your writing for the…
Don’t Revile the Rewrite
I’m gearing up to talk about Editing and Revising this Saturday at our monthly meeting (you ARE planning to attend, aren’t you? There’ll be snacks, and air-conditioning). Funny thing about writers: Mention rewriting or revising, and you’re guaranteed an eye roll, a groan, or a slump in even the squarest of shoulders. Why do we…
Fodder
The mother bird constantly scans her surroundings, on the hunt for sustenance for her hatchlings. Alert and ready, she keeps her eyes focused so as not to miss the tiniest movement. A writer is constantly scanning her surroundings, on the hunt for fodder for her work-in-progress. Alert and ready, she keeps her eyes (and ears)…