You're not a writer after you sell a hundred copies. That mountain of rejections doesn't define you. You're not a writer once the world knows your name either. You're a writer if you write. Even if you don't write for a while, you're still a writer. You're not an aspiring writer. You are a writer. … Continue reading An important reminder for writers
Tag: works
How does a book become a book? — part two
If you missed part one, here's a link. #3 — Editing your manuscript Don't panic, but this can take many rounds. Editing a book is difficult, and sometimes minds will disagree. You're about to dig deep into your work. How is your dialogue? Believable? Does your character's motivations seem valid, true to character? How is … Continue reading How does a book become a book? — part two
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?
What to do if your writing/art frustrates you
I've noticed that when things get hard, some people shut down. They don't like the chapter they wrote, so they get so frustrated that they can't do anything. Or perhaps they are struggling to find the perfect word with twenty dictionary tabs open. Their foot taps at a hundred beats per minute while their mind … Continue reading What to do if your writing/art frustrates you
How do we manage the stress?
Managing stress is essential for any job. It's hard to balance work (even if it's more like a hobby) with life in general. It can feel as if it's impossible to get everything done. While listening to Ear Biscuits the other day, I heard a great quote about that: "It's probably the case that feeling like … Continue reading How do we manage the stress?
To all new artists:
For a new artist, being "bad" could be discouraging. It's hard to continue when everything you do is nothing compared to others. Well, I was listening to the podcast Ear Biscuits, and here's what Rhett had to say about it: "I think hopefully one of the things that has been demonstrated here is that: if you … Continue reading To all new artists:
Fake happy
Money!I love that word. Don’t you? It gives you hopeuntil you realize how empty your pockets are.In this world, we’re all just searching forMoney.Do you want some? So does our government.You can play the game of Life with them,but let’s see who ends up with moreMoney.It’s a drug, a dose of dopamine, a pill.Something we … Continue reading Fake happy
Lost by the train
Life is unattainable sometimesIt’s just out of desires’ reachNothing more than another billAnd another time to clock in After a while, the rhythm lingersNot in difficulty, but in tensionPressure comes from all directionsAnd it doesn’t stop for anything So, we’re back at the railroad againDid you see when the next train comes?I’m not sure I … Continue reading Lost by the train
Book review – What Editors Do (Spoiler Free)
"Being an editor is a lifelong apprenticeship: the books you read, the jobs you have, influence your approach to any given text. Yet in a sense I'm the same editor I was at the beginning of my career, an idealistic former literature student who took pleasure in books whose form and content I understood to … Continue reading Book review – What Editors Do (Spoiler Free)
What could discredit me
Sometimes I wonder if my taste in literature discredits me for being an English major and/or writer. The more I dive into the writing world, the more I realize I don't fit in some areas. I love writing and editing. I can discuss creative work for days. But I don't like older literature too much. … Continue reading What could discredit me
Robin LeeAnn 