You try not to laughat the words coming out of my mouthcause life isn’t simple like that You know every blankand say what you thinkwhile I talk into an ever-growing void But maybe it’s less that I’d like to get to know youand more that I wish I was you You try not to laughat … Continue reading Try not to laugh
Tag: stop
2 a.m. questions
How many writers stopped writing because they couldn’t afford the hobby? How many artists gave up after they felt like no one was paying attention to them? How many writers stopped because they felt they weren’t good enough? How many wonderful artists go unnoticed every day? How many writers will eventually be swallowed up by … Continue reading 2 a.m. questions
Just a quick reminder
The end of the year tends to be busy, but don't let that stop you. Your goals and dreams are waiting for you at the end of the finish line. Reach out a little farther. Find pockets of time between the couch. Look into the mirror and smile at what you've already accomplished. You can … Continue reading Just a quick reminder
Learning by growing (haikus)
i. This space is not mineWhite walls with empty tablesBut I could grow here ii. Time turned into yearsSpinning faster than its lightI couldn't stop and pause iii. The sun came aroundAsking if I had seen youI sighed at white walls Copyright © Robin LeeAnn
Common writing mistakes #6
#6 — Unnecessary details The plot is coming along. We're getting to an important moment—but wait! I forgot to mention something. Let me write it down because it's important. But now the reader is wondering why I stopped the story to describe something in the middle of the chapter. As a writer myself, I get … Continue reading Common writing mistakes #6
Should you go to AWP? My 2020 AWP experience.
I did a poll on Twitter and found that most of my followers don’t know about the Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) conference. Or maybe you’re curious about going. Since I went this last March, I’ll let you know about my experience. Pricing For national conferences, this is one of the cheapest I … Continue reading Should you go to AWP? My 2020 AWP experience.
How many rejections is too many?
A while back, I was on a live stream with Anna Akana when she did something that surprised me. Instead of saying "aw man" or so when I mentioned how many rejections I have gotten, she got excited. She said it was good for me. After the rejections made a mountain on my desk, they … Continue reading How many rejections is too many?
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”?
Every character has what?
Characters are unique, because they all have a little human in them. Even if they're witches who want to burn the world, they need something the readers can connect to. The other day, I rolled my eyes at my friend. We have been close for years, but some parts of him are annoying. Spending more … Continue reading Every character has what?
11 editing tips from a professional
At the ACES conference, one session had many editing tips for editors and writers. Here are some: Check all quotations (to see if it is a verified source) Don't ignore your inner voice (when it says something's wrong) Omit needless words Favor active voice (because we need passive voice sometimes) Edit out loud Advice is … Continue reading 11 editing tips from a professional