In the writing process, experimenting and failing does not mean anything is wrong. In fact, failing means I am doing something right. I am learning what does not work. Nothing I write, no matter how “awful” it appears,is a waste of time. How I wish I had always known this. I used to always get […]
Nothing You Write is a Waste of Time Read More »
I once read advice from a novel editor who said, “There has to be a likable character other than the protagonist within the first couple of chapters or the reader will put the book down. The reader just won’t bother.” This assertion awakened my B.S. sensors. What about books about characters stranded on deserted islands
The Myth of What “The Reader” Wants Read More »
Guilt permeates my existence. It creeps into my dreams. Sometimes I feel guilty without knowing why and have to look for something to feel guilty about, invent something if necessary, to reassure myself that the intensity of my remorse has meaning. Naturally my cat uses my guilt against me. By accident I stepped on her
The Therapist in My Pocket Read More »
Recently someone accused me of being defensive. My response went something like this: “Me? Defensive? Who’re you callin’ defensive, yer defensive. Yo mama! Hrumph!” My critic rejoined that I should read the self-help classic How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I rolled my eyes. From all I had heard about the
My Uncomfortable Encounter with Dale Carnegie Read More »
