On this day, a year ago TOR.com published my short story “The Language of Knives” and as I look back at the odd year I had, I’d like to touch upon perspective and how strangely writing careers progress. I don’t normally think about my anniversaries since short stories don’t create the same ripples novels do and their shelf life is considerably brief. (Oh, you poor, ephemeral creatures!)
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On Writing
Writers are notorious for giving advice on writing. Doesn’t take long on the Internet to find a million or so articles on how write better, faster and stronger prose. Because it’s inescapable, writers often are assaulted by opinions and ironclad rules on writing, which often contradict each other. In the end, you’re a bit confused and have no idea who to listen.
What I’ve learned about the craft (writing is magic!) is that writing is one personal experience and no two writers are the same. Unless they’re clones. In which case I demand access to their cloning facility.
This is why I’ve taken to the streets to talk to writers about advice. What worked and what did not and why. The idea is not so much about to hash out new writing advice, but to foster more of a dialogue about a writer’s relationship with advice. This week I’m interrogating Jaym Gates! Read More NO GOOD ADVICE: Jaym Gates Shares Her Experience with Writing Advice
This post may come off as ageist. I’m well aware of my bias on this, but to a point I think it’s still grounded in some kind of logic. Bear with me as I announce this:
Writing is for the old.
I don’t know how I came to this conclusion, but it’s been with me since early childhood. Age is a sensitive topic even among my peers, so I’ve perhaps signed my death warrant discussing this here. But doesn’t storytelling often get marketed with wrinkles, sweet disposition and the wisdom of having lived long? Maybe storytellers and writers don’t necessarily mean the exact same thing, but aren’t writers just storytellers with access to a keyboard? Read More I’m Doing It for the Experience
Writers are notorious for giving advice on writing. Doesn’t take long on the Internet to find a million or so articles on how write better, faster and stronger prose. Because it’s inescapable, writers often are assaulted by opinions and ironclad rules on writing, which often contradict each other. In the end, you’re a bit confused and have no idea who to listen.
What I’ve learned about the craft (writing is magic!) is that writing is one personal experience and no two writers are the same. Unless they’re clones. In which case I demand access to their cloning facility.
This is why I’ve taken to the streets to talk to writers about advice. What worked and what did not and why. The idea is not so much about to hash out new writing advice, but to foster more of a dialogue about a writer’s relationship with advice. My dear friend Juliette Wade has been so generous with her time to come and speak about her experience with writing advice. Read More NO GOOD ADVICE: Juliette Wade Discusses Writing Advice
What’s this feature about: Writers are notorious for giving advice on writing. Doesn’t take long on the Internet to find a million or so articles on how write better, faster and stronger prose. Because it’s inescapable, writers often are assaulted by opinions and ironclad rules on writing, which often contradict each other. In the end, you’re a bit confused and have no idea who to listen. What I’ve learned about the craft (writing is magic!) is that writing is one personal experience and no two writers are the same. Unless they’re clones. In which case I demand access to their cloning facility.
This is why I’ve taken to the streets to talk to writers about advice. What worked and what did not and why. The idea is not so much about to hash out new writing advice, but to foster more of a dialogue about a writer’s relationship with advice. Last Monday, I had Jonathan Wood take the stage, which you can read here. This Monday I have the wonderful and talented Angela Slatter (who, as you know, is a bit of a celebrity on my blog). Read More NO GOOD ADVICE: Angela Slatter Talks Shop
Writers are notorious for giving advice on writing. Doesn’t take long on the Internet to find a million or so articles on how write better, faster and stronger prose. Because it’s inescapable, writers often are assaulted by opinions and ironclad rules on writing, which often contradict each other. In the end, you’re a bit confused and have no idea who to listen. I’ve talked about my disenchantment with writing advice as well.
What I’ve learned about the craft (writing is magic!) is that writing is one personal experience and no two writers are the same. Unless they’re clones. In which case I demand access to their cloning facility.
This is why I’ve taken to the streets to talk to writers about advice. What worked and what did not and why. The idea is not so much about to hash out new writing advice, but to foster more of a dialogue about a writer’s relationship with advice. This Monday I’ve invited author and dear friend Jonathan Wood to talk about writing (because that’s all writer ever talk about). Read More NO GOOD ADVICE: Jonathan Wood on Writing
As a writer I have spent reading more about writing advice than I’ve been actually writing as I have plenty of blogs I’ve followed through the years and not all that much completed work to my name. Writing advice is a curious thing. Everyone and their grandmother dishes it out and rather than explain their advice is tied to personal experience, some people push it out as the gospel truth. Read More I’ve Been Thinking About Writing Advice (AGAIN!)
I was away for some time and while it’s taking some time to get into a certain routine I had a wee bit guest posting done in my absence. I spoke about my road to Clarion (a still ongoing journey mind you). Here is a short excerpt: Read More I Talk about Applying for Clarion on BOOKLIFE NOW
THE GAP by Ira Glass from frohlocke on Vimeo.
Ira Glass talks about the gap between your taste and your skill as a creator. It’s your taste that drives you to newer heights and it’s generally correct, but I often feel as though creators take time to even develop taste. I remember very clearly how I started off. Read More Why You Should Keep Creating
After yesterday’s post on my successful sugar-free challenge (or quest), I’ve been thinking about what it means to be healthy and the divide between brains and brawn, a divide which society has chosen to embrace and reinforce through popular culture. Bear in mind, I’m mostly observing as a novice to concept of lifestyle change since routines and the known offer me solace, so this post will mostly present thoughts I’ve been distilling in my head for some time.
Bulgarians as I see my countrymen are not too keen on living healthy lives. It’s mostly economic as money doesn’t allow for an entirely nutritious diet, especially if you’re providing for children. Nevertheless, I have realized language has a lot to do with this. In Bulgarian, ‘healthy’ (здрав, zdrav) as linguists have decided translates only in its most basic meaning, namely ‘to be in good health’, the normal condition of the body prior to any illness. It’s a popular word, used in expressions, sayings and the go-to place for birthday wishes. Read More The Myth That There Is a Myth about Brains and Brawn