Tag Archives: writing

So I Just Published a Book…

Posted in Writings about Writing by

Not much in the way of wit or writing tips this week. Just an announcement that I published my first book! 

I know, there was no fanfare or promotion leading up to it. I actually wanted to keep it low-key, because I did it partly just to figure out how the self-publishing process works on Amazon. You can read a hundred blog posts about it, but until you actually do it, it’s still theory. The uploading and book prep process through Amazon is relatively painless – except for the bit about their Kindle conversion program not liking tab indents in Word. Gotta figure out how to fix that for my next book.

But anyway, here it is – my first official publication, a self-published short story collection. Pop on over to Amazon, if you’d like, and give it a read!

What to Blog about when You’re out of Ideas

Posted in Writings about Writing by

I’m sure this happens to every blogger sooner or later: your idea well dries up. It might be a long creativity dry spell, or maybe it’s just a temporary slump and you’re like “drat, I’m supposed to post tomorrow and I have nothing ready.”

Well, here are some handy tips to keep you going – or at least to help you fill in the gaps until your creativity springs gets going again. If you’re stuck for blog post ideas, you can:

Search the internet for “blog post ideas.” You’ll come across dozens of far more creative and influential bloggers than yours truly who have long lists of ideas, or fabulous tips for getting out of a slump. Continue reading →

Periwinkle

Posted in Music, Movies, and other Muses by

For this week’s post, I’m sharing a poem I wrote. I’m not much of a poet, but I like to dabble in it now and then. So here you go, for your enjoyment (or not) as the case may be:

 

Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a good word

It rhymes with twinkle

Like a star

A star-shaped flower

Or a star exploding like an opened flower

Flowers in the night sky

Most stars aren’t periwinkle, though

A Week Away at Tinker Mountain Writers Workshop

Posted in Writings about Writing by

This week I’m blogging from the grounds of Hollins University, which is hosting the annual Tinker Mountain Writers Workshop. This is my first time attending this workshop, though it’s not my first time at Hollins. I graduated from Hollins with a BA in English and creative writing (many moons ago), and so it’s been a fun yet strange experience being back on the campus after so many years.

The scenic Hollins campus

The scenic Hollins campus

I’ve attended writers’ conferences and other workshops before, but never a week-long event. Classes are in the morning, then a short seminar after lunch, and the afternoon and evening are for reading, writing, going for walks, open mic readings, and whatever else you want. It’s wonderful to be away from the bustle of everyday life for a few days, on the quiet scenic university campus, and surrounded by like-minded writers. Continue reading →