I wanted to write a blog post this morning, but my mind was empty of ideas. This is an unusual situation for me. Usually my brain is brimming with thoughts to share on writing. Not today. Was it because I just returned home from Nashville last week? Because I'd finished the greater part of a […]
I assumed I'd have plans. I'm in Nashville, and I always have plans. Like, for every minute. But it turns out that I didn't. I texted a couple friends to go grab a glass of wine, but it was Saturday night and I was way too last minute. Everyone was busy. And so I faced […]
The other night, in the middle of the night, I came to a realization (I guess being wakeful has its uses). The realization was this: every time I think of something I want, my next thought is, but I can't afford it. It doesn't matter if I'm thinking about buying a luxury automobile or a […]
So, there's clarity for writers, and clarity about writing. In a post about writing clarity, I'm being clear as mud. So let me explain. A few days ago, I was sitting in the backyard of a friend. Gorgeous summer night, and the surroundings were gorgeous, too: neatly mowed lawn and perfectly weeded and edged garden […]
Ah, summertime. Blue skies, sunshine, lazy days and heat-induced lethargy. Barbecues, vacations and great, relaxing fun times. But what about the writing? When does the writing get done in all this fun? Relaxation is great for the heart and soul, but it can be hell on the writing. All the good times can leave little […]
In the overall scheme of writing things, it is relatively easy to get inspired. (See my list of things that inspire me at the end of this article.) But the more important question is: how do things inspire you? What is the process by which inspiration translates to action? Having inspiration is meaningless if it […]
"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." Joyce A Myers For some reason, I've been thinking a lot about motivation this weekend. Because I think that sometimes we need it to get ourselves started. And by "started," I don't mean just beginning a project. I'm talking about starting a writing session. Here's […]
I know. Meditation. Crap. Must we? For many of us, meditation is an item on the to-do list that never gets done, akin to cleaning the basement and scrubbing baseboards. (And if you actually accomplish those things, please, please, please come to my house and help with mine.) Meditation is boring. Meditation takes time away […]
Your happy morning sunrise Call it a writer's ritual, call it a writing routine, call it whatever you want, but I believe that having a consistent structure to begin your day is vital. For too many of us (and I fall victim to this habit also) the first action of the day is opening the […]
I dyed my hair this week. (Bear with me, we're getting to the part about writing.) I dye my hair every six weeks or so. But usually I dye it blonde. I buy the lightest blonde dye I can find, just to give you an idea of my usual color. Extreme platinum blonde. Lately, however, […]
