In college writing classes, we sit in a tight circle, facing each other. Sometimes, we critique our own works; other times we discuss writing. But one time—and only once—everyone raised their voices against what I suggested. I disagreed with the author using the word said for every single dialogue tag. I raised my hand and … Continue reading Is “said” worthless?
Tag: university
First lines given – #9
Welcome to First Lines Given! If that sentence confuses you, here's a link to where I explain what this is. Today's first line is by Innerdialects! She said: I decided to go in a different direction than I normally go in. Here's the result: It seemed like a good start. It had that edge, that … Continue reading First lines given – #9
Writing a book is two jobs
A while back, Hank Green made a Vlogsbrothers video, talking about writing. He mentioned what Tommy Orange said when he saw him speak at the University of Montana. "At one point in the talk, he referred to himself as a kind of duality. There are times when he's a writer, and there are times when … Continue reading Writing a book is two jobs
Book review – This Splintered Silence
"I think most things begin to fracture without anyone realizing it’s even happening, a sort of splintered silence that gives way all at once under too much weight, and without warning." Title: This Splintered SilenceAuthor: Kayla OlsonGenre: Sci-fi, MysteryPages: 368 pagesPublication date: November 13, 2018Publisher: HarperTeen I knew I had to read The Splintered Silence since … Continue reading Book review – This Splintered Silence
Quiet now, pay attention
My university is always quiet when people leave and that’s when you notice things. You’ll find broken, empty branches, hiding behind the leaves. Or the discolored rock that has been there for at least five years and will be there for another ten. You’ll notice black paint peeling off the railing because the school only … Continue reading Quiet now, pay attention
2019 writing goals
Happy New Year! 2019 is an interesting year for me already as I'm sure it is for you. I have an English degree now with new goals. Writing goals are always important to me. Even if I don't complete them, I get something in life to look forward to, to work toward. My goals this … Continue reading 2019 writing goals
Difference in success
At an English Major panel, I got advice for success in life-after-graduation. It was a cozy room, stuffed with English nerds. Afterward, I talked with a professional author. One of the first sentences she said was, "I don't agree with what she said during the panel." She pointed toward a CEO in the publishing field. … Continue reading Difference in success
What writing classes are like
I'm not sure anyone talks about college writing classes. Movies say we have our classes in auditoriums. Writing classes, also known as workshops, never have over eighteen people. I have one with twelve people right now. One time only six people showed up. On the first day, we introduce ourselves for almost seven minutes each. … Continue reading What writing classes are like
Internship’s best stories
For the past year, I was the nonfiction editor for the North Texas Review (NTR). I'm proud of every writer and artist who got accepted, whether for the journal or online. Here's some of my favorites from this year: A Girl Walks into a Neon Bar by AnneMarie Sabatini A Mini I-Don’t-Rememoir by Mallory Miller Anything but … Continue reading Internship’s best stories
Is college holding me back?
College should be helping me, right? But why do I feel like it's holding me back? Instead of writing short stories, I'm writing essays over British poems. Instead of editing my novel, I'm learning about different Japanese grammar points. I'm not making connections in the writing world. Instead, I'm worried about my two handwritten finals. … Continue reading Is college holding me back?
Robin LeeAnn 