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Writing links
2007-08-13 15:37:00
Finishing Your Novel - by Timothy HallinanExcerpts from Novel Writing : 16 Steps to Success by Evan Marshall John Baker has a great series on the phases of creating text.
More About: Tips , Links , Motivation

You must want to fly so much...
2007-08-03 16:42:00
?How does one become a butterfly?You must want to fly so muchthat you are willing to give upbeing a caterpillar.?~Trina Paulus ?Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.?~Nathaniel Hawthorne ?Words ? so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.?~Nathaniel Hawthorne?Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, 'press on' has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.?~Calvin Coolidge That's it, that's all. Have a great weekend and happy writing.
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A few more words from Murray Suid
2007-07-27 14:51:00
Nienke, I truly enjoyed guest blogging on THE WRITING LIFE the other day. Afterward, I found myself wishing that I could thank all those inventors who have given us this new medium for sharing our ideas and our lives. To my way of thinking, the net is close to a miracle. Technology has long interested me. In fact, my current book project deals with engineering marvels. I?m having such fun learning about processes such as Backward Planning (huh?) and Failure Analysis. (I have lots of personal examples to draw upon.) Back to the blog that I posted here: I want to thank the participants for their thought-provoking questions and comments. I came away enriched. In the blog I explained that WORDS OF A FEATHER got published thanks to an agent who was looking for a funny word book. I should have mentioned the agent?s name?Carol Roth?and her website www.authorsbest.com. Carol specializes in nonfiction. Who knows? Perhaps she can be of use to some of the talented writers who frequent ...
More About: Words , Murray

Speaking of words...
2007-07-25 16:52:00
What these words really mean: 1. ARBITRATOR: A cook that leaves Arby's to work at McDonalds 2. AVOIDABLE: What a bullfighter tried to do 3. BERNADETTE: The act of torching a mortgage 4. BURGLARIZE: What a crook sees with 5. CONTROL: A short, ugly inmate 6. COUNTERFEITERS: Workers who put together kitchen cabinets 7. ECLIPSE: What an English barber does for a living 8. EYEDROPPER: A clumsy ophthalmologist 9. HEROES: What a guy in a boat does 10. LEFTBANK: What the robber did when his bag was full of money 11. MISTY: How golfers create divots 12. PARADOX: Two physicians 13. PARASITES: What you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower 14. PHARMACIST: A helper on the farm 15. POLARIZE: What penguins see with 16. PRIMATE: Removing your spouse from in front of the TV 17. RELIEF: What trees do in the spring 18. R...
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Guest blogger, Murray Suid on curiosity and words
2007-07-23 13:59:00
Thanks, Nienke, for your thoughtful announcement of my visit. You made me feel welcome at your remarkable website. I?m the kind of writer who likes a distraction. Could be the smell of coffee in the other room, or a ?dump your microwave oven? urban myth that plops onto my desktop. No surprise, therefore, that as I began typing this piece about words origins, I allowed my attention to be drawn to your Tip of the Day: ?Always take the attitude of a learner in your writing and be open to new insights from any source.? I hope it won?t seem that I?m malingering if I comment on this sage advice before I get down to business. In the 1990s, I enrolled in UCLA?s screenwriting program. At age 51 I thought I knew everything about cranking out scripts. I just wanted to meet producers so I could sell my work. But in my first class I discovered how much I had to learn about story structure. That humbling experience confirms the wisdom of your tip about being curious. Now about words: In high...
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LOLCat funny
2007-07-20 20:10:00
Courtesy of I Can Has Cheezburger?Don't forget to drop by Monday for guest blogger Murray Suid on the connection between words!Have a great weekend, folks!
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Guest blogger coming July 23rd!
2007-07-13 15:40:00
Murray Suid, author of Words of a Feather, will be guest blogging on Monday, July 23. Words of a Feather explores the connection between words. Since writers live on words, I think it will be a lot of fun to learn more about them. The book is a zany, fact-filled collection of dual etymologies. So, if you have any questions about the root of a word or the connection of words, now?s your chance to ask an expert! ?Words of a Feather probes the shared histories of word pairs such as ?adversary? & ?advertisement? and ?cosmos? & ?cosmetics.? It transforms the science of etymology into a fun and powerful vocabulary-building game. ?It also goes beyond the peculiarities of linguistics to provide practical advice on a variety of subjects. For example, the ?thank? & ?think? entry gives a mini-lesson on how to make kids smarter while polishing their manners. The ?anger? & ?angina? mini-essay might actually save a few lives ? or at least bring on a few smiles.? Click here to ch...
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Never Give Up
2007-07-12 15:12:00
Ballantine Pays $3.75 Million for a Literary Novelist's Vampire TrilogyGarth Stein's novel The Art of Racing in the Rain has sold at auction for $1.2 million to HarperCollins**UPDATE - speaking of not giving up, Alison Kent's cut-off date to join Seventy Days Of Sweat is Friday, July 13, at midnight.
More About: News , Motivation , Give , Give up

RIP, Kathleen Woodiwiss
2007-07-11 16:15:00
Like I said yesterday, life is fragile.Romance novelist Kathleen Woodiwiss dies of cancerKathleen Woodiwiss revolutionized the romance novel.Woodiwiss, creator of the modern historical romance novel with feisty heroines, ornate period settings, and erotically charged adventures, died of cancer Friday in Princeton, Minn.Woodiwiss, who had 36 million books in print, was 68.
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News - Cairo RIP
2007-07-10 15:09:00
It happened a few weeks ago, but I'm only ready to talk about it now.My sick kitty Cairo died.The whole household was so distraught (my DH, MIL, our other cat Suki, and dog Piffy) that I decided on a distraction.I'd like you to meet Simba. He fits in like butter on warm toast.He's actually suckling on his tail. He's a rescue. Loves life and playing like there's no tomorrow.Here he's fanning his feet (making bread/kneading) while suckling.Suki loved him from the moment we brought him home. The first day Suki kept running up to Simba and licking him, then running away. In this picture they're caught in the act of playing. Potential LOLCat pics I think.Life is so fragile. Enjoy every moment. Love yourself.
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Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-06-29 16:35:00
?The best advice I ever heard was to learn from everything. If a book's rejected, learn from the rejection. And, if there's no feedback...then figure out what you learned by writing that manuscript. All of it prepares you for your career as a published author.?~Donna Alward is one of the few Canadians writing for Harlequin's Romance line. Her debut book is Hired by the Cowboy with a sequel scheduled for release in September.You can learn more about Donna and her upcoming releases at www.donnaalward.com. ?The best advice I ever had was actually from a Drama teacher, and I apply it to my writing. Whenever I complained of a problem, she'd tell me, ?It's not a problem, it's a challenge.? Is it a problem that I'm three chapters from the end and don't know who the killer is? Is it a problem I'm writing a book with almost no dialogue? No...they're challenges! Conquer them, and I know my writing is stronger for it.? ~Kate Johnson, author of I, Spy?, part of the Sophie Green My...
More About: Advice , Writing , Vice

Hi From Melly. Yes, Still Around...
2007-06-24 21:48:00
It's been a while, I know. I'm not even sure how long it's been since I've posted here.Slowly, I'm starting to get the itch to blog again, or to return to an online community.A friend suggested I'd join Facebook. In fact, he wanted me to join his fan club. I have. Yesterday.So far I'm not really sure what this is all about -- never been one to understand social networking very well -- but for now I'm using it to play chess. So there's definitely a positive.Another friend, this one an online one whom many of you I'm sure are familiar with, Patry Francis, suggested I'd join goodreads. Goodreads, it seems, is sort of a book review social network of sorts. It sure was fun to start the list of books I've read.What I found funny, but not surprising was the average rating of the books I've read (the ones I've put in so far anyway) compared to Patry's. My average rating is 3.88 out of 5, while Patry's is 4.57.The reason this doesn't surprise me is because a) Patry probably ...
More About: Round , Melly

Blog posts to check out...
2007-06-12 16:40:00
Lilith Saintcrow gives The Five Rules of Plotting over at The Midnight Hour.The Plot Monkeys have posted Part Two of their AGENT SERIES. Part One is here.The Unknown Screenwriter posts about Exposure Therapy for your characters. Unk has a great series on The Transformational Character Arc. Go browse if you haven't already.Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer talk about tightening the plot over at their 2007 Writing Workshop. Another great sight to browse if you haven't already. It's a year-long workshop, updated twice weekly, on the craft of writing a novel.Ian Hocking shares 10 Writing Beliefs.Velcro City has more writing tips.How To Write a Novel. Seriously? Okay, then. Hop to it.
More About: Blog , Check , Posts

words...
2007-06-05 05:20:00
Desire Innocence Illusion Diabolic Persistence chocolate cookie dough bizarre twisty art Morning food mystery enchantment Fantastic Conflict Luscious feisty dreamy delicious Accordion twilight mockingbird Cure the disease He couldn't remember rebirth agony childish Just Keep Breathing Ultrasound commute pink Fiction is Folks Goal Motivation Conflict Writing begets writing Vacation after finish Sparkle Shadows Peace Rowlingization Kinganomaly SupermegajumbosalesClick here for the word search.
More About: Words

Just Do It
2007-05-29 20:11:00
Image courtesy of Writing Time, a site for beginning writers that offers inspiration to fire up your creativity, exercises to jumpstart your writing, and guidelines to help you craft your creative writing, whether you're interested in writing an essay, a poem, a short story or a novel.I challenge you to give me 3 words to inspire...
More About: Motivation

Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-05-25 22:51:00
The best advice I was given was to write every day.You get to be a better writer by writing.~John Baker, novelisthttp://johnbakersblog.co.ukhttp:/ /johnbakeronline.co.ukThe best writing advice I ever received came near-simultaneously from two different sources.I was struggling through my first full-length work, finding it a very different and untameable animal from short fiction. Writing the book was like walking against a wind machine where life, other story ideas, and lack of polished expertise threw themselves against my every effort.I bemoaned this fact to friend and colleague Susan McBride. Her answer was simple. "Just do it," she said. "Write straight through, stopping only long enough to jot notes on vital flashes of inspiration."Sure it made sense, but it was too darn simplistic. And easy for her to say, I thought. She had a book series with Harper-Collins. But sometimes, the simplest of answers is the best.Still feeling sorry for myself, I happened to pick up a copy of Steph...
More About: Advice , Vice

Fun stuff to do
2007-05-18 19:14:00
Some fun stuff to do that might help your muse or craft along? or just help pass the time of day.Play with wordshttp://www.golivewire.com/magnets/Ta ke some personality testshttp://testdex.com/personality_tests .htmlOne sentence storieshttp://www.onesentence.org/Very Short Storieshttp://www.wired.com/wired/archive /14.11/sixwords.htmlHave a read about arts and lettershttp://www.aldaily.comCreate a story with Myths & Legends Story Creatorhttp://myths.e2bn.net/story_creato r_beta/Take some (free) courses to improve your writinghttp://www.newsu.org/
More About: Stuff , To Do

8 Things Meme
2007-05-17 14:57:00
I've been tagged by at least 4 people for this meme, so I thought I'd better participate.Thanks to Kalbzayn, Bonnie Staring, Becca Furrow, and Lady Tess (if I've missed you, I'm sorry).8 Thing s About MeLike Bonnie, but unlike Mike, I like salted licorice ? love it actually. It may have been my first solid food. (I?m Dutch)In fact, I?m not a sweets or chocolate person, and will go for savory every time. I also love cottage cheese with salt and pepper added. Or with fruit. Or with lettuce on a sandwich. (The Dutch also put everything on sandwiches)Two years ago, I lost 40 pounds and it?s all back on. My doctor says I?m lucky I didn?t go over my original weight because that usually happens with fad diets. Perhaps I should give up the savories and the sandwiches. In all fairness, I should mention I didn't stick to the 'maintenance program.' If you follow a diet, take my advice, stick to the maintenance program.I have no children, just three furr...
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Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-05-16 19:45:00
In honor of the release of her debut novel, today's best writing advice is from Kelly Parra, author of the young adult novel, Graffiti Girl (MTV Books, May 15, 2007). Check out her website, www.KellyParra.com."Some of the best writing advice I've heard, several times, is to believe in yourself and your writing. Writing is such an emotional, draining job. I believe in putting part of yourself and your emotions in your work. If you doubt yourself it can hurt your progress toward your dream. Work hard, believe, and write. :) "
More About: Advice , Ever , Vice

Free books - but hurry! (Canadian residents only)
2007-05-14 19:29:00
Harper Collins Canada is giving away 50 copies of The Line Painter (to Canadian residents only) to kick start a MySpace reading group. I'm not sure how many are left, so hurry! More information here: http://www.myspace.com/harpercollinscanad a.The Line PainterBy Claire CameronIt?s 1:08 a.m. when Carrie?s car breaks down on the highway somewhere north of Lake Superior. It?s dark, the road is quiet, her cell phone is down, and she is alone. She took off from Toronto that morning, running from grief over the death of her boyfriend, and unable to cope with the truth about the events that led to it. The relief Carrie feels as a truck pulls up soon turns to fear after its driver offers her a lift. Frank, her would-be rescuer, is a line painter, putting lines on the road ?to stop people from being killed.? But after Carrie gets in the truck, she starts to realize that this will be the road trip of her life?a trip of terror, transformation and forgiveness. Claire Cameron has created a un...
More About: Books , Book Review , Free , Dian

Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-05-11 17:57:00
?My best piece of advice was getting and using the The Writer's Market (book) I used the Writer's Market for Literary Agents.? ~ Nicole, Del Sesto, author of All Encompassing Trip Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/nicoledelsesto MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nicoledelsesto ?The best advice I ever received about writing is also the simplest: just do it. Stop talking about doing it - sit down and get that story out.? ~ William Couper, author of Cutting Chills Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/willcouper MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/willcouper ?The best thing I've ever heard is to write from the heart. Go with whatever it tells you.? ~ Jennifer Brown, author of Celebrity Secrets, Summer 2007 Blog: http://blog.myspace.com/jenniferbrownauth or MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jenniferbrownautho r Website: http://www.freewebs.com/jenniferbrownauth or/
More About: Advice , Writing , Ever , Vice

Good Lord!
2007-05-09 15:34:00
If I were a book, I'd be:You're Lolita!by Vladimir NabokovConsidered by most to be depraved and immoral, you are obsessed with sex. What really tantalizes you is that which deviates from societal standards in every way, though you admit that this probably isn't the best and you're not sure what causes this desire. Nonetheless, you've done some pretty nefarious things in your life, and probably gotten caught for them. The names have been changed, but the problems are real. Please stay away from children.Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.To know me is to love me.
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Still around!
2007-05-09 15:16:00
Hey guys - I'm still around and lurking at my favorite blogs. I'm happy to say that I'm keeping busy writing and enjoying the sunny, hot weather we're having!I'm also helping out a couple of writer friends by reading and opining on their work.Keep on writing!
More About: Personal , Stil , Still , Round

An author's writing process.
2007-05-03 17:26:00
Rachel Chase shares her secrets on how to write a page a week.Click here to get a glimpse of her writing process.
More About: Writing , Motivation , Proc , Thor , Process

Thinking blogger award
2007-04-30 22:23:00
Thanks to Rene, for awarding me the 'thinking blogger award.'Now, I must choose 5 other sites that make me think. A tough one!Since Rene has already received this honor, I will pick 5 others. I will also pick bloggers who I think will pass on the honor.1. The Mimosa Effect 2 It's fun to follow along Desert Rat's journey of writing. DR is motivated and shares great insights on writing, poetry, life and kitty-cats. Definitely makes me think.2. Quantum Storytelling Redchurch can outthink us all. I just love reading his concepts and theories. Never a dull post (sometimes they're over my head - but never dull!).3. Dr. Bill's Harley Wisdom As a writer of romance, or any genre for that matter, I believe it's important to understand how humans interact in relationships. Well, Dr. Bill's site is the place to learn about that! He explores love and relationships to a deep level that can help writers understand why their heroines and heroes do what they do.4. Writer...
More About: Writing , Blogger , Organization , Motivation , Think

Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-04-27 15:45:00
JA Konrath, author of the Lt. Jacqueline ?Jack? Daniels Series and editor of These Guns For Hire says:The best advice I ever heard is from bestselling author David Morrell, who said: "Writing is a business. Treat it like one. As the business changes, you should too."David Morrell, author of SCAVENGER, adds:Writing is also an art. Rather than imitate or follow trends, we should write books that are uniquely our own. The goal is to be a first-rate version of ourselves rather than a second-rate version of another author.Do you treat your writing as a business and/or an art?
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kitty doing well
2007-04-23 20:01:00
Just wanted to let you know that Cairo, my tabby, is doing well. We have another appointment with the vet in a couple of weeks to determine if and when we will do the next surgery. Look at that face, how can I say no? (Trivia - liver shunts are rare in cats, but cats that do have them always have copper eyes, yet all cats with copper eyes don't necessarily have a liver shunt. Those interested in learning more about liver shunts in cats [c'mon, you should be writing], click here.)He's playing with his brother Suki now too. Playing/fighing, who can tell?Have you ever had to make big decisions regarding your pets?
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Best Writing Advice, Ever
2007-04-20 15:13:00
Thanks to advice by Desert Rat, I've decided to cancel my Friday's Excuses Not to Write and focus instead on reasons to write. I thought I would celebrate this by posting 'best advice.' I've approached several published authors and asked them what's the best writing advice they've ever received or heard. I will post one or two on Fridays (when I'm able to post).Here's the first:"During my second year as a published author, I had a private discussion about the biz with author Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'd gone through some very bad experiences by then, and I was seriously worried if I was even cut out to work in this industry. She told me, "Whatever you do, protect the work." I took that to heart, and from that point began removing everything in my professional life that interfered with my writing. My productivity skyrocketed in the years that followed, but more importantly, I was a much happier writer." ~ Lynn Viehl, aka PaperBack Writer, http://pbackwriter.blogs...
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Update and curiousity
2007-04-18 15:01:00
April Fool update:I'm working on my Harlequin WIP, which is really shaping up. I also have an idea for a children's picture book (been brewing for a few years actually) and a YA novel.What's everyone else working on these days?
More About: Writing , Update

RIP, June
2007-04-16 15:14:00
*sigh*Canadian novelist, journalist and activist June Callwood dies at 82.So sad.
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