“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
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
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
Is there anything more horrifying than reading something you wrote years ago? ……Or two days ago? I’m pretty sure if a Boggart were to appear in front of me one dark and stormy night, it would take on the form of the manuscript I wrote in high school. It was your standard paranormal romance, only… Continue reading Re-reading Old Drafts
Dear First Draft, Remember how I said I needed some time away to think about our relationship? Well, I’ve given myself some breathing room and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that we should see other people. I know this must be heartbreaking for you. It’s difficult for me as well. In the beginning, our love… Continue reading Dear First Draft: a Breakup Letter
I find it difficult to get started on a new writing project. Not necessarily because I lack inspiration, but I often can’t bring myself to make that first step out of fear I will be dissatisfied with the results. I procrastinate giving out my work to friends or others for critiquing. I have this undying need… Continue reading What Sylvia Plath Taught Me About Perfection
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 