I sent my critique partner one of my short stories, “During the Ball,” about what happened during Cinderella’s ball (no one falls into “happily ever after” during one dance). Anyway, she said that one of her favorite things about it was how it seemed to have just flowed out of me. She’s right. I sat…
“I’ve always dreamed of being a writer.” “It’s my dream to write a book.” “You’re so talented. I could never do what you do.” Uh…no. We are all writers already. I know that because I work in an elementary school, and I have helped students at every level, from kindergarten to 5th grade, complete their…
Or…How Math Made Me a Better Writer. P.S (Pre-script): I discovered I have written blogs on this topic before. That just shows you how important it is to me. Consider it more evidence in support of my thesis. If you are a person who needs for things to remain in neat, well-prescribed boxes, then stop…
I am often asked where I get the ideas for my stories. The answer is “Anywhere.” I don’t just sit on the sofa and wait for inspiration to strike, however; I look for it wherever I go during the day, or in my environment when I am home. Things hit me at the craziest times.…
I committed to a writing career on my 40th birthday–May 27, 1999. I figured that, given the average lifespan of 80 or so years, I was about halfway done with my life, and if I was going to be a professional writer I had better be about it. Do the math. That was 19 years…
