“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
What is writing a second draft like? It's like going through a wonderful hike in the wilderness on a clear summer's day with friends, seeing spectacular sights and creating life-long memories..... And then remembering you left your backpack with all your expensive camping gear at the last rest stop, running all the way to get… Continue reading The Second Draft of Doom
So you've been writing for a while, but you aren't getting very far. You spin your wheels day after day, hoping soon it'll all come together. You know it's a good idea, you're just having a hard time getting it started. You think it's just another day. You sit at your desk, grab your pen,… Continue reading When Life Throws Off Your Writing Groove
As part of our study tour through the British Isles, my class took a bus across Northern Ireland. This was unquestionably one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Our guide told us Northern Ireland has inspired countless writers like C.S Lewis, the Brontës, etc, and I can easily see why. While riding in the… Continue reading A Nerd’s Adventure in Tollymore Forest
I was hesitant to write this because I know how tight a writer's budget can be, and I didn't want to make it sound like everyone has the same opportunities that I have been presented with. However, I feel strongly enough about it that I think I can give it a strong endorsement. Writers, travel.… Continue reading Writers Need To Travel
For the past few days, I've decided to use one of my hundreds of unused journals in leu of battling my internet addiction in an attempt to crank out a chapter or two. I believe the results speak for themselves. I started writing about three days ago and I'm halfway through with this journal. That's with… Continue reading Wherein a Writer Takes a Break From the Internet
I have a plan, reader. For the first time in a long time, I've set up a writing goal for myself. I am forcing myself to finish the first draft of my novel by May 31. It's been a tiring struggle against doubt and writer's block. However, I've reasoned with myself that I must fight onward,… Continue reading I Made My Characters Steal a Horse: a Tale of Writer’s Block
Over the last few weeks, I've experienced the most inspiration I've had in ages. There was no climactic moment in my life that ignited this outpouring of expression. For whatever reason the spark just came like a surprise visit from your favorite uncle that you haven't seen in years. I resurrected a story I laid… Continue reading The Return of Doubt: a Writer’s Buzzkill
Recently, a friend of mine posed the question: What's the point of critiquing published works? It's already published so it's not like the author can rewrite it for a better review or something. Personally, I don't critique books that often unless the author is dead, or I have something positive to say about the novel.… Continue reading What’s the Point of Critiquing Published Books?
I'm notorious for jumping ship whenever a story becomes complicated. Friends ask me frequently how a story is going and my blood goes cold. "Oh," I think, "just imagine a sinking boat that suddenly catches fire only to be extinguished by a humpback whale, leaping from the water and crushing it into splinters with its… Continue reading Abandon Manuscript!: The Diary of a Quitter
WARNING: The following contains shenanigans. I don't like the term "people watching." There's something distinctly stalker-isque about it. I prefer to call it "spontaneous character building." When I'm sitting alone in a public place and I spot a person with a strange tattoo, haircut, or distinctive clothing, I'll make up a story about them. It's… Continue reading A Writer’s Guide To People Watching
The Crooked Pen 