We can’t tell a “single story”

So, I watch Ted Talks from time to time. One of them caught my eye recently, and I decided to share it with y'all. It's called "The danger of a single story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Toward the beginning, she mentions how: "All my characters were White and blue-eyed. They played in the snow. They … Continue reading We can’t tell a “single story”

Inspiration for the late bloomers

I found a great quote from Sarah Anderson, and I thought I'd repeat it for all my fellow artists out there: It's okay to be a late bloomer. Everyone moves at their own pace. The pressure to do things at a specific time in your life takes away the vital space and thoughtfulness needed to … Continue reading Inspiration for the late bloomers

I’m a bad puzzle piece

Everyone has straight and curved sidesThey know what they want andThey know what they’re good atBut I’m not one to follow the crowd I somehow molded my edges to a pointTo poke into everything andI can’t state a reason as to whyI get my nose into so many things I’m crawling through the mudPoking at … Continue reading I’m a bad puzzle piece

Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?

On the first day of class, eighteen students sat in a circle, facing each other as awkward as can be. We didn't really look at each other, and most of us had no idea what we were doing there. Our teacher leaned forward and turned to look at each of us. She asked how long … Continue reading Can you stop writing—take a break—for “too long”?

Schedule some breaks

No one can do something every day of their life without getting bored or losing energy. Remember to schedule in a nice healthy break every once in a while. You deserve it.

To writers? To readers?

Do I write for writers or for the readers? The obvious answer would be for the readers, because their opinions are what I need. They're the ones who buy books, read books, and write the reviews. They're the ones who will get excited to see me if I write well. But writers are the ones … Continue reading To writers? To readers?

Common writing mistakes #1

#1 — Using multiple adjectives "The house on the hill was old, broken, and abandoned. I always passed it on my way home. It stared back at me with its empty, death-glaring eyes." Adjectives help, but too many of them back-to-back can weigh down a story. It sounds more like a bumpy ride on a … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #1

A tip for a troubled writer

The road is rough; I know. But think about the last time you saw a mountain and freaked out. It stood so much higher than you, but now you stand so much higher than it. This is another mountain you can get past. Whether it's finding a literary agent, finding time to write, or other … Continue reading A tip for a troubled writer

Small accomplishments

It's good to appreciate the small accomplishments in life. For example, I just finished copyediting my first novel for a publishing house. I hope everything goes well. I enjoyed working on the story. What small accomplishments have y'all completed? It can never be too small.

It’s been a while…

It's been a while since I've reminded you of something important: It's all right if you need a day off. It's okay if you feel the need to write ten pages or more. No matter what, if you are determined, you can do it. With time. Whatever your goal with writing is, it will happen. … Continue reading It’s been a while…