Author Archives: Drema Drudge

My Top Ten Tips for Organizing and Writing About Art: A Sneak Peek at my Ebook.

I’d already read Susan Vreeland’s books, and Tracy Chevalier’s wonderful Girl with a Pearl Earring. I fell for Of Human Bondage as well — it remains my favorite novel, even though I did throw it against the wall when I finished it because I was so distressed at Philip’s decision. But it wasn’t until IContinue reading “My Top Ten Tips for Organizing and Writing About Art: A Sneak Peek at my Ebook.”

A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement

I adore Amy Tan. There. I said it. Call me biased, but there isn’t a word she has written that I don’t just love. And in case you doubted her coolness ratio, she’s also in a rock band! Her latest novel, The Valley of Amazement was a Christmas gift from my husband, Barry. We wereContinue reading “A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement”

Published, but not in a “flash”!

When I first became a student with the Spalding MFA in Creative Writing program, I quickly became enamored of flash fiction. It seemed to fit my terse, plain style, and I liked that there was no room in it for over explaining. About my writing: I had never really written a short story until IContinue reading “Published, but not in a “flash”!”

Unmasking the Sprezzatura of Writing: What’s Under My Bed?

If sprezzatura means to express art in such a manner as to convey a supposed effortlessness, then let’s unmask that, at least in regards to my writing. (I say this with much tongue-in-cheekedness; I am not saying my writing is that good, but hey, how else am I gonna work up to what I reallyContinue reading “Unmasking the Sprezzatura of Writing: What’s Under My Bed?”

The Golden Notebook: Organize Your Writing in 2014

If you want more “gold” from your writing in 2014 (be it money or just the satisfaction of seeing more of your ideas captured instead of left to wander off), try using your “golden notebook.” (Disclaimer: I once owned Lessing’s “The Golden Notebook but got rid of it without having read it because it wasContinue reading “The Golden Notebook: Organize Your Writing in 2014”

Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts

Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts draws us into exotic worlds — both foreign and domestic —  that slowly reveal to us the unacknowledged and unknown layers of life in and around us all. Brickman’s well-crafted stories expand exponentially with their deft movement, bittersweet insights, and unexpected humor. The book’s titles are often darkly humorous and always intriguing:”The Cop, the Hooker, andContinue reading “Julie Brickman’s Two Deserts”

Life Hack: Give the Greatest Gift

I have had some awesome teachers and mentors who have freely given of their time, and I treasure that. We can all make more money, but none of us can buy any extra time. (Although we can manage what we have better, perhaps.) As creative, we need to give back some of that precious timeContinue reading “Life Hack: Give the Greatest Gift”

Life Hack: Power Hour!

Sometimes we creative types can become easily overwhelmed. It’s not because we are flawed (never that!), but because we have so many great ideas. I think I already explained that we are a bit, ahem, disorganized, but I am convinced that too much organization is a creativity killer. A little, however, can be helpful. ThisContinue reading “Life Hack: Power Hour!”

“Swift” Speaking by The President of Ireland

When our daughter was young, Barry would often read aloud to her. He once read an excerpt from “Gulliver’s Travels” and she giggled incessantly upon realizing what “making water” meant, bright child that she was. The next few hours found her laughing and repeating the phrase. I’m not entirely sure that’s what we wanted herContinue reading ““Swift” Speaking by The President of Ireland”