Author Archives: Drema Drudge

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”

Standing Desks and Other Affectations

Virginia Woolf had one. Papa Hemingway had one. I’ve been contemplating one myself for a few years now, but not because they had one, and not because they’re trendy. I want a standing desk because they are better for one’s health, and because when I sit down to write, I can lose hours and arise,Continue reading “Standing Desks and Other Affectations”

Take a look at my guest blog on The Silent Isle!

I am honored to have been asked to guest blog on The Silent Isle, Anna Urquhart’s thought-provoking blog.  Why don’t you head on over and take a look and maybe leave a comment.  And DO sign up for her blog. It’s a must-read! http://www.annaurquhart.com/2013/05/had-i-but-known-i-could-run-and-breathe.html Â