I’ve been thinking about language lately. Maybe because we’ve just celebrated Pentecost, maybe because I’m at the point in the revision of my book where I’m word-smithing. Every. Single. Word. Maybe because with all the social justice marches taking place, I realize more than ever how much language matters. When I taught high school literature classes there was always the inevitable lesson on conflict, and I would write on the chalkboard (yes, I’m that old) the following: Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature Man vs. Supernatural Man vs. Society Man vs. Self Man vs. Technology It was a standard basis Read More
Tag: revision
Five Take-Aways After My Writerly Weekend (Pardon My Tantrum)
Picture 12 women in a room and no one is talking. Silence. And it wasn’t a prayer service or a silent retreat. Hard to imagine? Not if these women are writers participating in a weekend write-in. Okay, in our minds, some of us were talking with our characters. Some of us even might have been praying…or cursing. What a delight to meet with my MidMichigan Romance Writers of America Chapter sisters for a fall write-in at the beautiful Riverside Inn. Not only did I get a boatload of editing accomplished, I learned five valuable lessons. Writers are respectful of Read More
Getting Inside an Editor’s Brain: An Interview with Julie Sturgeon
Every author wonders what editors think. When our precious baby lands in the hands of an editor, what happens? I’ve worked with Julie Sturgeon, and I can say what happens is magic. Julie agreed to give us a peek behind the curtain in her editing process. I am so pleased to share her insights with you. Welcome, Julie. I’m always flattered when someone asks me to be a guest on their blog, and I do a happy dance when they provide questions. That list is an excellent way to figure out what people want to know—and where misconceptions are lurking Read More
Poet Larry Levy Shares Insights and Poems from His Latest Book ALL THE DEAD ARE HOLY
When Larry Levy reads his poetry, I am transported into the ambiance of the time and place he reveals through his words. Larry has been a friend and mentor for many years, and I am honored to have him as my guest today. Welcome Larry. How do your poems arrive? An image? A memory? A bit of conversation? My poems often begin with a phrase or a line. Usually it’s about something I have seen or heard or recall. Many of my poems begin in memories. Sometimes it comes in a dream. But they almost always begin with words that seem Read More
8 Words that Scream “Telling, Not Showing” in Your Writing
Love’s Courage is taking shape, and I have external motivation to keep working on it: an Advanced Novel Writing Class with Terri Valentine through Writers Digest University. I have submitted my first assignment, pages 1- 36, and the feedback I’ve gotten makes me wonder if I ever took a writing class. My dear friend, beta reader and editor, H.J. Smith assuaged my fear when she explained that while I’m writing, I’m using one part of my brain. Editing requires a different part of my brain. Sometimes I think the editing brain takes long vacations. In her feedback, Terri gave me Read More