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 |  probably stuff i think is funny. or aggravating. or both. |
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| I had a conversation with a friend several days ago. We were discussing story critique and judgment about when a story is "good enough." The question came up (in my head) about the point of the whole endeavor. Each person has their own fantastic goal. Some strive for genius, beauty, meaning. Some want fame, cash, prizes, critical acclaim ... Is it possible to publish stories which are both accessible to a large audience and artistically accomplished? Here's my point: when do we decide our story is finished? How perfect does it need to be to deserve an audience? Is there equal value between working toward our version of perfection and stopping when we've reached a level of marketability? One road leads to insanity, but I'm honestly not sure which one. This reminds me of those other folks: writers truly motivated by the desire to create. They toil, seek endlessly to improve on structure, character, dialogue, et cetera--intending to reach the pinnacle of each aspect. Is this purity laudable? Crippling? It seems it doesn't matter how accomplished a writer they are, they remain unsatisfied. They never let go completely, and perspective becomes a weak alternative to the highest standard. This could even be a custody issue. Boundaries, right? Who does the story belong to, ultimately? If we don't write with the intention to share, then why? I admire anyone who can write a story of whatever length which draws an audience. My goals with writing fall somewhere closer to center along the spectrum. I want to write thought-provoking, well-crafted stories scads of people clamor to read. Do I want to get paid for them? Heck, yeah. Would I sell my soul for a multiple-project contract? Ask me when that becomes a remote possibility, and I might have an answer.* As always, I have plenty of questions and no real answer. *For another time, perhaps: the question of e-publishing in the new digital world of trade books. Is print and the associated old-world gauntlet even necessary anymore? Everyone has an opinion, right? |
| I'm trying to approach my situation with a more objective eye, which will be a refreshing change from the hand-wringing I've been allowing myself the past (mrmphmm) number of months. In case you're not familiar, my situation is one of blockage. Creative constipation is a common issue, one with several potential solutions, but also dreaded. I see it as akin to sexual impotence. The power of suggestion creates the problem in most cases, and will intensify the degree to which the problem mainfests. When we can relax about it, it eases up, creating a Chinese fingertrap of the process. This helps me wrap my head around it with a clear image to visualize, and we all know the first step is to recognize the problem. I'm stumbling back into writing. It's a herky-jerky experience: clumsy, embarrassing, frustrating, and exhilarating. Because at least I'm fricking trying. I haven't given up. I haven't killed the urge. What cracks me up is the image of the poor constipated soul straining over the toilet who makes tangible progress one morning and falls right off the toilet seat because he's out of practice. I can feel I'm not where I was, both in confidence and ability. I'm beating at these stories with rusted clubs, when last year I would've used filament wire to shape them. The dents are noticeable, and those stories from last year feel like they were written by someone else. The realization confidence plays a larger role in the process and the end result is what's exhilarating. And terrifying. Learning how to use punctuation or grammar is concrete, black/white, right/wrong, and not considered exciting by most people. The difficult stuff, the aspects requiring judgment and subtlety, those need confidence from the writer. Confidence both in the ability but also in the story the writer's trying to tell. How many of us have enough control over our thinking to switch gears from hesitant to adventurous? To find that oomph and intrepid spirit again? I don't know if I do, but I haven't given up. Part of me is watching this whole experience from a distance, stashing and cannibalizing it for future stories. That's a good sign, right? |
| I usually have more dry spells than wet, when it comes to writing. I don't ascribe to the idea of writer's block, really--at least, not as a diagnosis. It's a symptom of fear. Fear and writers go together, I think. We dwell as a practice on all kinds of stuff--character, plot, setting, etc--and when we're nervous, we dwell on that, too. Our brains are programmed that way. But I'm veering a little off track. I wanted to talk about creative juice, where we get it, why it never runs out. This is a little like trying to talk about God, so keep your expectations low. I read a blog entry recently about the question of renewable creativity: http://www.scribophile.com/blog/this-post-is-a-result-of-an-impassioned-argument... I appreciated the question, although most of the comments posted focused on the setting argument instead (I did too, at first--Shyamalan's a compelling guy.) But it's a mystery, where our ideas come from. Some people are just born seeing the world differently, or maybe their childhood shapes it for them while their minds are malleable. I don't think creative thinking requires genius. Or knowledge. But the inclination to ask questions is crucial. Curiosity led to every advancement our species has made; that ability to imagine the impossible and find a way there climbed us to the top of the food chain. Of course, now we're doing our darnedest to extinct ourselves, but that's another topic. Veering again. Creativity. The more we use it the easier it comes, the better we use it. Like any effort, we learn through doing. We can read about it, study others' techniques, watch biographies of great thinkers, but until we dive in and find our own way to creating, it's circumstantial. So, trying is essential--and that can be scary. Trying opens up the possibility of failing, and nobody likes that. So, fear #1: failure. It's a universal fear, no matter what we're trying to accomplish. Fear #2? Success. Silly, right? Why be afraid of doing something well? What could be disturbing about that? I think enough of us have been here, too, to understand. If we do something well once, we've gotta do it again. And again. The bar's been set, the expectation put out there (for everyone to see)--we've lost the freedom to fail. So we think. Where was I going? Right. Fear stomps on creativity, and creative endeavors generate fear. It's a vicious cycle. We can lessen the intensity a bit by keeping perspective, by honing skills so every new attempt isn't as much of a crap shoot, but the uncertainty is always there to some degree. We're not creatures comfortable with uncertainty. Those of us who are (not me) accomplish greatness. Creativity is people! Like Charleton Heston said in "Soylent Green". We do feed off of each other. Ideas, inspiration, motivation, hope, competition. Creativity can exist in a vacuum, but it gets musty in there. Plus, all the noise. We have already the ability to think openly, but I think we regenerate through interaction with the world around us. Stimulation. Maybe we don't literally eat other people, but if we did we could use that experience, too. It all goes in the pot to be swished around, processed, mutated into something useful for our purposes as writers. Or cannibals, I guess. My remedy for fear? Stimulus. If you sit down at the keyboard and nothing bubbles up, don't panic. Like impotence, this is the worst possible reaction. Relax. It happens to everyone. Back off for a few minutes and find something new to cram into your brain. Walk outside, listen to music, find thought-provoking articles on the internet (www.bigthink.com), watch an inspiring video presentation (www.TED.org), do something mindless and physical--whatever fires your synapses, gets you going. And if nothing comes, even then? Well, it's hopeless, I guess. (No, it's not. It will come. I promise. Our brains can't help themselves.) That's my two cents on the subject. Anyone have more ideas to help with writing motivation? I'd love to hear them. |
this article isn't specifically about writing, per se. at least, it's not about structure, or pacing, or dialogue--none of the elements of putting together a story. but it's about WRITING. highly recommended, particularly if you're struggling with yourself at the moment. i finished reading with blurry vision. *sniff* funny how rarely we see the emotion of the writing process outlined so succinctly and with such insight.  http://menwithpens.ca/writing-bravery let me know your reaction, please--i'd love to hear them.  |
| as a member of a few different writing sites, i interact often with other writers through critique. since one of the goals of critique is to offer suggestions for improvement, i think the natural tendency is to look for those spots, sometimes even at the expense of perspective. if we can't find something to fault, we feel we haven't done a thorough job of it. that's a shame. because critiques aren't just about what's wrong with a work, but what's right, also. how the elements fit together to tell the story as a whole is what we're all looking for, i wager--chances are, we understand better than anyone else our shortcomings as writers. feedback on the work's effectiveness all-around is most helpful, for me. this approach to offering feedback requires mindful reading, of course. we have to read on a few different levels, and i usually need to read a piece at least three times before i feel familiar enough to offer an in-depth critique. we read at line level: surface SPaG issues varied sentence lengths for rhythm and flow appropriate word choices at story level: metaphor and symbolism character setting description voice dialogue and at message level: theme what is this story really about? what is the writer's message? if i receive a critique addressing my story purely on line level, i'm disappointed. but, sometimes a critiquer only has time to offer off-the-cuff suggestions, and i don't fault someone for trying to help. i'm ecstatic to have a reader! if i receive an earnest critique from someone investing time and thought into their feedback, i feel honored. if i don't communicate some of my intended theme, or one of my metaphors is offputting, i take the opinion seriously because that person has given my story respect enough to pay attention, to take it in by its parts and as a whole. those critiques are invaluable. here's what gets me, though. the critique offered in slapdash style, without consideration but with plenty of ego. this person is certain they understand exactly what i tried to accomplish, and will let me know exactly where and how i failed. on top of that, they rewrite sections of the story for my edification, to show me how i should have written a particular line, or scene. this level of disrespect deserves a variety of responses, but in the name of professionalism and in the virtual world of internet community, how to let this person know your feelings without overstepping? i always thank someone for reading my work. regardless of their reaction to the story, they've taken time from their day to visit my story, and i appreciate that. i always thank someone for offering their feedback. in addition to reading, they've also made the effort to give me their opinion--without hearing from a range of readers, we don't know how our writing comes across. if we want to build a wide audience, our writing must be accessible. motivating readers to write in is wonderful, no matter their opinion. we've instigated a strong reaction--hopefully on the power of our writing and not the cannibal baby character sporting a swastika tattoo on his forehead. (that's a topic for another post.) if a reader expresses confusion about a specific aspect of the story, i'll offer a quick explanation, and polite regret i didn't properly deliver in the story. as long as the tone of the critique is respectful, i'm happy to reciprocate. when i receive the rare but memorable SOB critique adopting a bastard tone and useless, sometimes abusive opinions, i ignore it. this person has an agenda, and getting a rise is first priority. at most, i acknowledge receiving the "critique" and leave it there. getting into a back-and-forth with this kind of person never goes anywhere good, and honestly, some people are just nuts. better to let some other shiny object attract their attention--and it will, sooner than later. no, for me, the worst kind of critique to receive is the well-intentioned but woefully misguided or clueless opinion. this person also feels certain, but isn't overtly rude about it. they're not stupid, but they're lazy. they miss basic plot points, or which character says or does what. and then they tell you how to fix your story, how to spell out every character's motivation, how to describe in painful detail each bit of setting, how to change your conclusion so everyone's happy in the end. this person wants to help, but they just don't get it. and if you tell them so, you're colored the defensive, angry writer who can't take honest criticism. so, what to do? i still struggle with this. one one hand, writers have a shared responsibility to help other writers--almost a calling. we want as many well-crafted and meaningful stories out there as possible. not only do we gain from a higher standard as consumers of stories, we raise the overall bar. that's a good thing. along that line, i should do my best to help this misguided critiquer understand what i'm trying to do in this story, and how. that the doll's eye is a metaphor for how the little girl sees herself reflected in her mother's gaze, and is not just a piece of pretty plastic. on the other hand, where do i draw the line between artistic cameraderie and suffering foolishness? do i risk the defensive rejoinder, the "i know you are but what am i" retort? indeed. who am i to educate someone not outright asking for it? that's disrespectful, no matter how politely i couch it. so i thank them for reading and sending me their critique. i note what points i agree with (if any), and what points i respectfully disagree with, and i leave it there. if this person responds asking why i disagree, then that's an opening to enter into a conversation--one both parties are open to. i've had some great discussions beginning just this way. whatever comes of the exchange, i've shown this person the respect they deserve, and hopefully, i come away with another positive--a longtime reader. in case you're interested in broadening your online partnerships with other writers, here are the other writing sites i belong to: www.scribophile.com -- free basic membership, site focus on writing and critique, "karma"-based system, vibrant and outspoken community. i've met some amazing writers and editors here. forums range from entertaining to exasperating, and can suck major time away from your day. forewarned. best overall writing site, in my opinion. www.critiquecircle.com -- free basic membership, not as attractive or interactive as scribophile, but in my (so far) limited experience a solid site for obtaining feedback on writing. another point-based system to guarantee fairness in posting frequency versus offered critiques. |
| http://tugboatinstincts.blogspot.com/2010/01/by-grabthars-hammer-luckily.html don't mind me. i'm in the garage sharpening my shovel. |
| man, oh man. i read this story and marvelled once again at the unflinching courage dogs possess. http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Retriever+saves+year+from+cougar+attack+Bosto... i agree that this attack wouldn't have happened if the cougar had access to a suitable hunting range, that human encroachment on habitats leave them few choices if the resident predators want to survive, but that doesn't take away one bit from my admiration for this selfless dog. |
| graduate school. i've spent the last two weeks scrambling to assemble the various forms, recommendations, and manuscript to apply to one of the top graduate creative writing programs in the country. i'm fricking insane. but i'm doing it, anyway. historically, "insane" hasn't really been much of a deterrant for me. i won't find out the status of my application for a few months, i'm sure, but the process has already been surprisingly rewarding; and i'll tell you why. deadline: i'm reminded of how productive i can be when i'm under the gun. i'd checked the university website last summer, and noted the deadline for fall 2010 as march. wrong. i checked back in mid-december, thinking i'd get a headstart, and BLAMMO! deadline is jan 1st. thank zeus i even checked, but i had two weeks to do what i thought i had three months' time for. i learned i can turn an idiot moment into several days of high energy and collaboration. review: because the application required several pages of sample manuscript, i had a great opportunity to review my writing to date. i've occasionally revisited stories when editing for submission to various contests/publications, but i haven't really spent a concentrated chunk of time reading through most of my work. i gained confidence from the variety of styles and subjects i've attacked, and having several readers' comments to review also helped me see my strengths along with my weaknesses. a great exercise in self-evaluation i'd recommend, even if you don't have a deadline hanging over your head. recommendations: i saved this aspect of the application process for last, because it brought me the most gratitude and pride, both in myself and the folks who agreed to send in their recommendation of my writing and me as a writer. the university graduate program requests at least three letters of recommendation to accompany the other various forms in the application packet. i'm lucky enough to know very talented, dedicated (and fast-responding!) people who see something in me and my writing worth recommending. they've sent me copies of the letters sent in to the selection committee, and i'm proud indeed at their characterization of me as a candidate. a special friend who's spent time on various selection committees also helped me through the application process, advising me on my personal statement and clueing me in to how the procedure usually works, what to expect overall. powerful, grounding stuff. so much work to do, so much development yet to achieve, but i feel like i've accomplished something significant already just by getting this far. so, am i crazy, chasing the unattainable dream? i mean, it's a top writing program. huge reputation. extremely competitive applicants. i dunno. but i'm gonna try--no point in regretting not even giving it a shot. and if i find out i'm not accepted, i can say i did my best to reach that particular step on the ladder. i'll keep writing and improving (hopefully), and i'll sell my first novel someday whether i have a masters degree or not. (but i really really want this degree to happen. so much to learn!) here's to 2010, a brand new year and opportunity to both climb closer to reaching our goals and appreciate those who help us get there! *clink* (sips champagne) |
oh, man, that was rough. i didn't finish nano for the first time in three years.  i took on too much, like a second job that came along at just the right (wrong?) time with a schedule that required i function on a less-than-optimal amount of sleep, a couple of classes, the morning job, and well, the rest of life that just butts in all the time. i was foolish, idealistic, determined but without a plan. so, i made it halfway through. not bad, really. the first two weeks i was jamming, but it all caught up with me and i collapsed like a lukewarm flan. bleh. but, the good news: a friend of mine is insane enough to take on 6 50k months in 2010, and i'm joining her in january to continue my story. yay!! my class schedule will be much easier, i'm back to the one job, and i can't wait. i've got other projects going, too, like a dec 18th deadline for a short story submission to my school's literary magazine. and another in march for a nationwide student contest. both offer potential cash prizes, so i've gotta make those stories really shine. and, of course, the (now) three novels in progress. sitting back to look, i see i've got a truckload of work to do. love it!! i'm also hoping to rejoin the writing workshop i had to abandon last november. here on wdc i've found the best group of writers and readers anywhere, led by Boos girl  --these people are talented, smart as whips, and a hoot to hang out with. they inspire me with their own work, and i'm optimistic i'll be able to return to them soon. i'm still without health insurance, footing the bill for my prescriptions on a part-time income; thank god my hubby can carry the bulk of the household bills, or we'd be screwed. i'm cautiously optimistic i might be expanding to full-time status at my job in january, if they have the room for me. it'd be a good solution, while not a huge source of income. but i'll be able to focus on the writing more, possibly make headway on these frickin' novels, and even sell one. it could happen!  all right, must go now. today is hubby's birthday, and we've got snorgling to do. and hunting for caffeine. hope all is good with you guys. |
| hi, ho, the merry-o. so, it's november, and we all know what that means. NANO!!! i'm currently about 2500 words behind, but my only worry is i have no idea where this story's going. if the scenes were coming, i wouldn't care about not having a map--but for some reason, with this relatively simple plot structure i've chosen, i'm having issues with retaining linear progression. i keep hopping from character to character, writing scenes that seem to lead nowhere. ah, well. i suppose most of that is expected with this sort of project. i just feel all loose and flappity, hanging off the edge. makes me nervous. it's good for me, isn't it? i know. watched a FUN halloween movie last night called "Trick R Treat", which is clever and unexpected in so many ways--a real surprise. the poor thing was shelved from theater distribution for some reason but released on dvd and i highly recommend it. four interwoven stories all set in a small town on halloween. solid acting (dylan baker, anna paquin, brian cox, among others), smooth transitions, and come really dark humor that had me cackling. and there's sam, the halloween mascot, who's both cute and menacing--he polices over the town on halloween, making sure the traditions are properly respected. took the doggies in for grooming, and a follow-up appt for daisy--she's had an ear infection we've been treating her for. nasty thing, but she's on the mend. and now, sleek! she's normally so floofy with her thick black fur that when we get her trimmed she looks like a new dog. the groomers shaved about a pound of fur off of her (we weighed at vet's office on monday, and then today.) heh. and i'm sick right now, too. can't tell if the thing's working through its course or just settling in for a nasty spell, but i've been weak as a kitten for three days, cough, aches, congestion. that floaty feeling. not good, today, i started with a low fever. i've missed four work shifts so far from both of my jobs, and i felt bad about it until i remembered my boss telling me she knows that when she gets sick it's a sign she needs to take a break and slow down. so, maybe that's it. i hate putting my obligations off, but this year's been fairly nervewracking--maybe i just need to take a break for a few days. one good thing out of it--i should be able to make up some serious word counts for the nano. how coherent they are will depend on the current level of cold medicine coursing through my system--could get entertaining. wish me luck, folks. |
| in my neverending search for inspiring images and writing prompts, i stumbled across this list of top ten worldwide ghost towns. some truly weird scenes, and some haunting (perhaps haunted) places. the town overtaken by sand? wow. buildings held captive by a motionless sea. http://www.oddee.com/item_96462.aspx |
| i've been squeaking by with a pt minimum-wage job since july, and am also taking a couple of classes at the community college. i'm taking student loans to cover costs, but money's been really tight. also, no health benefits offered at my workplace, so thppt. so, i applied for another job at a chain bookstore (not the one i was employed with for so many years--the other one), and found out yesterday that i got the job! whee!! here's the bad news: i'm classified as seasonal, so no benefits, unpredictable hours, and minimum-wage income. hm. i decided to try keeping both jobs through the holidays. so, my work and school schedule guarantees i'll be clinically insane by dec 12th or thereabouts. stay tuned for the excitement! if i can muscle my way through AND prove how indispensable i am to the bookstore, i'll hopefully be taken on as a regular employee after the holidays, eligible for benefits and scheduled for more hours. then, i can cut back on the morning job and think about writing again. oh, yeah--i'm also taking on nanowrimo next month!! whoopah!!!! i'm too old for this shit. i should be starting to plan for retirement--HA!!!!!!!!! i won't get to retire. ever. unless i win the lottery. sad that my chances of living out my golden years swinging in a hammock outside my rural bungalow are about 145,000,000 to 1. or so. i'm already tired and it hasn't even started yet. |
| hey, all-- i've gone and obligated myself to the fabulous
the more sponsors the better--share the load, y'all. i'm not heavy.  okay, i'm kinda heavy. but i'm good for hugs!thank you and good night! **update: i've just learned i've been assigned to Team Gamma!! i've got a super-secret, maxi-swat team name!! i gotta go get me some camo. ** |
| Halloween costumes—well, any costumes to an extent—hold promise and escape and fantasy within them. The idea we could be someone else for a little while is enticing, particularly if that person is especially wicked in some way we don’t allow ourselves to be. I found this interesting tidbit regarding costumes: “Although popular histories of Halloween claim that the practice goes back to ancient celebrations of Samhain, in fact there is little primary documentation of masking or costuming on Halloween before the twentieth century. Wearing masks and other disguises and blackening the face with soot were originally ways of hiding oneself from the spirits of the dead who might be roaming around. This is the origin of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other demonic creatures.” (courtesy of http://halloween.monstrous.com/halloween_costumes.htm) I love the idea of hiding within the monstrous. Loads of potential there for a story, don’t you think? |
| you gotta check out this site: http://www.emailsfromcrazypeople.com unfrickinbelievable. |
| hey, all-- i've been lackluster in my posting lately, relying mostly on writing prompts (which i find mostly for my prompt circle on another site  ). i feel just terrible about it. honest. i thought today i might highlight a few offsite blogs i follow, to compensate for my limp contribution to the world of blog:http://www.tugboatinstincts.blogspot.com --> a general-topic blog which explores current events/pop culture with a sailor's vocabulary and a poet's heart. *sniff* (full disclosure: written by the hubby. )http://www.therejectionist.com --> an editorial assistant lets loose about submissions good and bad, and the process. blunt and fun and oddly encouraging. if you've ever wondered whether editors and their assistants work so hard for love or money, the rejectionist will clear that right up for ya. http://blog.nathanbransford.com -->another industry insider blog, this one from a literary agent. entertaining, informative, fabulous. http://www.fictionmatters.com --> like the tag says, "news, tips and tools for writers." can't beat that with a stick. practical information compiled in one spot. neat! and a few sites otherwise helpful but not bloggy: http://www.duotrope.com -->GREAT free database for writers looking for markets. all genres, all lengths, searchable database. http://www.publishersweekly.com --> because, well, duh. also, lots of contest and grant award information to be found here. if yer lookin' for that sorta thing. http://dailyroutines.typepad.com/daily_routines --> supercool site giving away writer's secrets. fascinating! okay, maybe that's enough for now to get me back in y'all's good graces. or close enough to purgatory i'm not feeling those flames licking at my backside anymore.  hope you visit and enjoy! |
| i missed Writing Prompt Monday again. *sigh* and i HAVE a calendar. and a cell phone. this is embarrassing. okay, well, dwelling in the past only leads to carbuncles, so let's pretend i'm not a complete shillyshallier and move on: this week's writing prompt: http://pixdaus.com/?sort=tag&tag=lighthouse ah, yes. the iconic lighthouse. lighthouse legends are romantic, ghostly, and the keepers swathed in a mist of nobility and sacrifice, not to mention eccentricity. all kinds of ripe for storytelling. peruse these photos and see if you don't start musing on something with hooks and crannies--and i'm not just talking about the salty sailors. ;) (http://pixdaus.com/single.php?id=73948) |
| here's what i wrote on my facebook page after a friend goosed me about neglecting my prompting duties: "ack!! i completely forgot--it's House's fault. i blame him and his stinking 2-hour premier that had me all weepy by the end. okay, here's one: you discover that the one quality that makes you different from everyone else is actually caused by a parasitic fungus growing in your brain. it will kill you eventually--and horribly--if you don't have it eradicated through invasive chemotherapy, but if the treatment's successful, you're stuck with the possibility of brain damage on top of losing that special something about yourself. okay, i watch too much House. :)" yes, yes. not only did i forget to find a proper prompt for the week, i decided to cut and paste the one i pulled out of my ass. now THAT's lazy. |
| i've moved my computer back into the second bedroom, where i fudged together an office of sorts to write in a couple of years ago. i had shifted out to the living room months ago because i missed hanging wih my honey, but my productivity's for crap. i'm one of those people who can't concentrate with distractions, it seems. i feel isolated spending time in the back bedroom, but i have to choose priorities, and i keep putting writing on the back burner. my output dribbled to a stop, and now my confidence suffers with it. i have the potential to be a strong writer, but i'm not there yet with story structure and discipline, and i'm not sure at all i'm going to beat the odds and end up a working novelist. along with the flaccid productivity, i've enrolled in a writing class at the community college. i haven't submitted my best work, but still i hoped to find encouragement and some notice from the instructor, but that's not happening, either. i'm feeling pretty puny in the world of writing, to be honest. what's interesting, though, is i feel no hesitation with hanging in there. quitting writing has crossed my mind, but only in a fleeting wisp--a mental fart that wafted away and good riddance to it. i'll never be satisfied as a hobby writer--i want to sell stories, to get my work out there to as many people as possible--but it's comforting to realize i'm unafraid to stick it out for the long haul. i may not publish my first novel before i finish school and find a teaching position at some small university somewhere, but i have faith enough in myself to believe i can make it happen if i really want to. so, i'm back in my lil office--with my electric buddha, my desk fan, my lumpy footrest. back to climb back on that fiction pony and ride until it bucks me off. giddyap, motherhumper. |
| hi, all-- this month's writer's digest special issue is on writing prompts and creativity. woop! here are a few to hold you until you can get to the store and check it out for yourself: "During his third night out of town, a traveling businessman discovers a voodoo doll in his hotel room." "Out of curiosity, a medical student attempts to reanimate her dead cat." "While on a camping trip, a little boy strays from his family and happens upon a carnival in the middle of nowhere." "A little girl turns into an elephant." i'll probably be listing more a few at a time--let me know if any of them strike you. |
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