Writing – Page 36

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: 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”

Itchin’ to Write Fiction

I’ve been doing plenty of writing lately: essays, articles for magazines, and tons of lists: What to do Before Ireland, What Not to Forget to Bring, Academic Tasks to do Before Graduation, What to Buy for The Trip etc. (Can you tell I love making lists? I do! I find it calming to have it all outContinue reading “Itchin’ to Write Fiction”

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”

My Winning Story

I was pleased and humbled to learn that I am the winner of Spalding University’s “Leprechaun’s Legacy” contest. I’m sure they received many worthy stories, so it means a lot that I was chosen as the winner. That I was unanimously chosen means even more. I have been given permission to post my story here, as wellContinue reading “My Winning Story”

The “Unpublishable” Story

The unpublishable story. Every writer seems to have one that he or she sends around relentlessly to no avail. I wonder sometimes if editors ever ask one another if they have been sent “that” story yet. This is the tale of one such story. I won’t say its title, because I’m still sending it out,Continue reading “The “Unpublishable” Story”

I Want to Launch a Little Free Library!

Do you know about Little Free Libraries? I first read about them in Writer’s Digest, and then again at a conference I went to last Friday. I was lying in bed reading WD and was so charmed by them that accidentally woke my husband by exclaiming over them. Now I want to put one up! WhenContinue reading “I Want to Launch a Little Free Library!”