Tag: writing

The Quiet of the Mind

The Quiet of the Mind

I know many people who claim they don’t dream. Science tells us we dream, on average, about five times every night. We dream every time we pass through the REM cycle of sleep. But many people don’t remember their dreams. When they wake, those nighttime images pass from notice. Sometimes something a person says or …

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Should Have Walked Away

Should Have Walked Away

Lately, more and more movies derive their inspiration from the pages of books. Agents and publishers were quick to praise award winning movies based on books during last year’s award ceremonies. It’s always exciting to sit in front of the big screen prepared to see the words you’ve read jump to life, to witness the …

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Accomplishing the Impossible

Accomplishing the Impossible

Every time I get mired in the rejection fugue brought on by the inability to sell my latest work, I remind myself, as everyone does, things aren’t as bad as they seem. Getting published isn’t as impossible as it feels. And even if it is, I shouldn’t feel daunted. After all, I’ve already accomplished one …

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Three by Three

Three by Three

Awhile back I wrote about my favorite books. I was careful to choose books which stood alone. Books in a series tend to have different qualities. And while they can stand tall on their own, most are stronger if taken in context, with the series treated as a whole. I’ve always intended to write about …

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Life-Shaping Experiences

Life-Shaping Experiences

I’m relatively young. I’m not sure if I’ll say the same in a few years, when I turn thirty, but at the moment I don’t feel old. I’m probably too young to write blogs including life-changing advice, but I’m going to attempt it anyway. Because I can. And because, though I’m still fairly young, a …

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The Right Way to Write

The Right Way to Write

I can’t claim to be a writing expert. I don’t have any publications under my belt yet. But I have spent the last two years trying to make writing my full-time gig and I’ve learned quite a lot during that time. One thing I’ve consistently struggled with is my productivity. It’s great to work from …

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A Shiny New Year

A Shiny New Year

It’s that time again! The time when we let the old slip away in favor of the new. We put all the negativity of the past year behind us and look forward to the bright new future. This is a fresh start. A new page, just waiting for new scribbles. It’s also time for New …

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Sounds of the Soul

Sounds of the Soul

I’ve always needed noise in the background. There are rare occasions when I prefer silence, if I can get it, but I’ve always found music best way to block out the buzz of life. Not only does music sharpen my focus, it inspires me. Random song lyrics trigger character or plot ideas. Epic background music …

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Influence Maps

Influence Maps

Influence maps are a popular exercise among artists. The basic concept is to make a collage of all the art and artists who have influenced and inspired your work. A friend of mine made a book cover influence map to show the authors and series which have influenced her writing. I suppose an equivalent exercise …

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