“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
I will be the first to say I am not always the most productive human being. At least when it comes to writing. This, however, is not entirely due to my proclivity to procrastinate. I just happen to write very, very, very, very slow. My typing isn't the issue. I can actually key words relatively… Continue reading I Write Slowly
So...I'm supposed to be working on the third draft of a short story, but here I am. I thought about writing all day at work today, mentally mapping out scenes and constructing dialogue. Then, when I actually got home, all I wanted to do was, well, anything else. My story and I have been acting… Continue reading Late Night Writing
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
There are two weeks of school left before summer vacation. Normally, I would be in full-fledge panic mode, but seeing as this is my 5th year in college I give myself a slap on the back just for showing up to class. I've changed my major two or three times which has hindered my progress… Continue reading Fighting the Apathy: a Writer’s Senioritis
The professionals encourage amateur authors to write at least a little bit everyday. However, some days this is not possible. Unless you don’t need sleep and operate solely on the power of hopes and dreams. If I’ve had an idea marinating in my head for a long time, not being able to write it down… Continue reading Writing Withdrawal
Author’s Note: If you’re a librarian and you’re reading this, I’m sorry... I’m horrible at returning library books. I thought my mother raised me right, but I guess society turned me to the dark side. I used to be diligent about giving back borrowed items, particularly those taken from the library, but I’m pretty sure… Continue reading Library Books: an Overdue Apology
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing noise they make as they fly by," -Douglas Adams. I have a deadline today. You probably have a deadline too. So why are we still on the internet? Because we writers are free spirits, that's why. We can't have our lives dictated by something as minuscule as a… Continue reading The Writer and The Deadline
A few weeks ago, I bought an Underwood typewriter at a garage sale for $20. The S and A keys are almost entirely rubbed out, the keys stick sometimes, and the space bar doesn’t work. I love it. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get it working somehow, but I’m just content to punch the… Continue reading Why I Love Typewriters
For me, a writing project is a Herculean task that requires a stringent routine. I clean my entire social calendar for the day. I have a nutritious breakfast complete with a mandatory cup of hazelnut coffee. I trudge out to the front lawn in my cotton pajamas as the sun peaks modestly from the horizon… Continue reading Writing, a Process
The Crooked Pen 