I have a super awesome announcement tonight: this past Monday, at around 11:41 AM, I completed my first draft of book 1 in my trilogy, The Virility Project! This is by far my largest and most thematically complex work of fiction to date, and one whose idea I first conceived waaay back in early 2009. After a couple … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #11: Plotting a Hero’s Journey (Part 2 of 2)
What are My Inspirations for Writing?
Hello and happy Thursday! How's your night going? I want to thank you - yes, you - in advance for spending at least part of it reading my post. Now that I've settled into a very consistent writing schedule, writing and editing (both line and developmental) six days a week, I thought I would take … Continue reading What are My Inspirations for Writing?
Lessons to Practice #10: Plotting a Hero’s Journey (Part 1 of 2)
Hello! I hope this blog post finds you well. I'd like to thank Akaluv, The Eye-Dancers, Meher, and thesarahdoughty for stopping by and liking one or several of my Lessons to Practice posts over the past few weeks. You all help me keep my motivation alive 🙂 Last week, I briefly explored the archetypal three-act … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #10: Plotting a Hero’s Journey (Part 1 of 2)
Reading Update: The Pain Behind Dark Comedy
Hello and good evening! I hope you're having a good night and enjoying it in the loving company of either yourself or those closest to you. In mulling over what I said about my current readings last Saturday, I encountered some deep personal feelings about the pitch-black comedy of David Foster Wallace. I used words like "hilarious" … Continue reading Reading Update: The Pain Behind Dark Comedy
Lessons to Practice #9: The Plot Points vs. Hero’s Journey Approach
I want to craft a stellar plot. At the end of the day, that is one of my biggest dreams: to compel readers to follow the ups and downs of my story, to take away a great deal of emotional and moral heft, and incorporate my work in some way into their own lives. However, as grand … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #9: The Plot Points vs. Hero’s Journey Approach
Reading Update: From YA to Verbal Gymnastics
Greetings! I apologize for uploading this blog post two days behind my set schedule. I took some Me time Thursday to make ravioli from scratch with friends, then go to the movies. We went and saw Ghost in the Shell, and I was blown away at how faithfully the live-action adaptation followed the first two anime movies … Continue reading Reading Update: From YA to Verbal Gymnastics
Lessons to Practice #8: The Compelling Protagonist
Before I begin, I'd like to apologize for not doing my usual Thursday night writing posts. I have been without internet at my town home for the past two weeks, which has made writing a bit more challenging. Luckily we should have our services up and running by tomorrow afternoon, so you can expect my … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #8: The Compelling Protagonist
Lessons to Practice #7: The Essence of Setting
Tonight I have setting on my mind. Not just its importance or its definition, but its essence. What makes a setting? Is it a specific physical location? A staging ground for the characters to interact and develop? Or the ways in which a particular place triggers our five senses and evokes our emotional response? For me, … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #7: The Essence of Setting
Lessons to Practice #6: Opening Lines
You've thought of your story idea, devised your main character and your supporting cast, created a basic outline, and maybe even written down your story's central themes. Yet all of that work, as rewarding and powerful as it is, still feels like you're holding your breath. When does the exhale finally happen? When you dive … Continue reading Lessons to Practice #6: Opening Lines
Reflections on Defeat and Embracing the Writing Life
As I settle in to my role as a full-time writer, one obstacle after another has tried to chip away at my hope and chipper ideals for my future as a published author. I've had my fair share of personal losses, bouts of self-doubt and futility, and looming questions about which career path I'm meant to … Continue reading Reflections on Defeat and Embracing the Writing Life
You Young Adult Nostalgic 
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