Thursday, March 24, 2011

Writing More Vivid Characters--Borrow a Technique from Alec Guiness

This week, I'm going to share a technique I teach in my workshops on writing vivid characters.  If you're interested in learning more, you're welcome to join me on Monday, March 28, 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Hudson Valley Writers' Center in Sleepy Hollow, NY (Westchester county near NYC), for an afternoon workshop on writing strong characters.  The cost is $60 and you can register by calling the Writers' Center at 914-332-5953.

I was struggling with dilemma in my second novel when

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Wisdom from a Writing Master--Barbara Kingsolver on Her Writing Practice

A student in my online class shared this wonderful interview with Barbara Kingsolver from Kingsolver's website, and it has helped me through a tough writing week.  I admire Kingsolver's no-nonsense approach to the artistic life, and she has great tips on how to keep writing.

This week's writing exercise is to enjoy the article, and post your comments and insights. Click on the link below (Interview with Barbara . . . )


Interview with Barbara Kingsolver on Writing

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Good Books for Learning Different Writing Skills

For several years I worked via email with a small group of new book writers.  I'd just graduated from my M.F.A. program and I wanted to see if others would learn as much as I did from reading certain books.

One of the writers, working on his first novel, emailed me after our first year.  He had compiled my list of recommended books by what he'd specifically learned from each--about aspects of

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Reading to Become a Better Writer

This past weekend I was reminded of the joy of reading good books.  This reminder came unexpectedly, via a small New England writing conference called Writer's Day, hosted by New Hampshire Writer's Project.

I've attended Writer's Day for two years.  Two hundred writers from all over New England gather each spring for really good workshops, intense networking, pitch sessions with agents and publishers, and a stellar keynote speaker.  Each time I go, I am impressed with