So I have been busy and haven't been sharing writerly content with you lately.
Sorry.
First, I'll let you know, I have another book that will be available next Tuesday in digital for the first time. This excites me. I am having a contest. If you don't already know about it, check it out.
But about YOUR writing...
How about this? I'm going to link to an essay at Powells which will do three things:
One, it will introduce you to one of the best bookstores on the planet, an independent bookstore that still exists in a world of Amazon and BN, a place that is worth your business. Check it out.
Two, it will share an idea that I've never articulated but have certainly lived--that sometimes my writing is fueled by somebody else's writing, but not in obvious ways. The inspiration, the brilliance of the words and/or consuming magic of the world ignites my own passion to write.
"I want you to find a book that has a kindred feel," I told them, "that has a voice welcoming what you are trying to write, an approach to a difficult subject that can be your teacher and your friend. Find a book that helps you identify what is important, what is at stake in the story that calls to you. No book can tell you exactly how to do it. But maybe there is a book that can assure you it can be done."
I know I told you in class that you can find books that help you get to the right mood and write emotional place to write, but this is even different from that. When it happens to me, it can be a book that is nothing like what I'm writing, in mood or place or context, but it is so beautiful it makes me want to write more, better, harder.
Three, it will introduce you to a writer who might be new to you.
These are all good things. We are entering a busy time of year. Make time to read. Make time to write. Make time to dream.
Sorry.
First, I'll let you know, I have another book that will be available next Tuesday in digital for the first time. This excites me. I am having a contest. If you don't already know about it, check it out.
But about YOUR writing...
How about this? I'm going to link to an essay at Powells which will do three things:
One, it will introduce you to one of the best bookstores on the planet, an independent bookstore that still exists in a world of Amazon and BN, a place that is worth your business. Check it out.
Two, it will share an idea that I've never articulated but have certainly lived--that sometimes my writing is fueled by somebody else's writing, but not in obvious ways. The inspiration, the brilliance of the words and/or consuming magic of the world ignites my own passion to write.
"I want you to find a book that has a kindred feel," I told them, "that has a voice welcoming what you are trying to write, an approach to a difficult subject that can be your teacher and your friend. Find a book that helps you identify what is important, what is at stake in the story that calls to you. No book can tell you exactly how to do it. But maybe there is a book that can assure you it can be done."
I know I told you in class that you can find books that help you get to the right mood and write emotional place to write, but this is even different from that. When it happens to me, it can be a book that is nothing like what I'm writing, in mood or place or context, but it is so beautiful it makes me want to write more, better, harder.
Three, it will introduce you to a writer who might be new to you.
These are all good things. We are entering a busy time of year. Make time to read. Make time to write. Make time to dream.
