Much like the desserts I love this time of year, the writing I enjoy the most has layers. In writing (not dessert) I specifically enjoy the text, the subtext, and the metatext. Each has its place in different mediums: print, formal digital writing, and blog posts. When writing, it is important to consider all three levels and if your piece is the place for it. The Text Text is exactly what it sounds like. It is the printed (or digital) … Read More »

Drafting is essential to creating good work. With each rewrite and revision, the superfluous words and ideas are winnowed away, while the story comes into focus. But you know what is necessary before you do all that time consuming and tedious drafting? Prewriting. I love prewriting. Prewriting is that exciting process where ethereal ideas becomes nascent story. The possibilities are endless. Before I write a story, I put together an outline with important story beats and note where themes will … Read More »

When starting out as a writer, it can be difficult to find places to be published. After figuring out what you want to write, you have to figure out which outlet is the best fit for your work. Then you have to navigate the daunting world of pitching. As a freelancer, the standard goal is receiving 100 rejections a year. That means you pitch as often as CC Sabathia (baseball humor!). It also requires you to find evergreen and timely … Read More »

Writing dialogue can feel as innate (or as awkward) as having an actual conversation. Conversations convey information, carry ideas, and connect people to each other. They are do the same in a written narrative. So what is the best way to use dialogue for your story? And where can you develop it? There are rules to using dialogue: use it to advance plot, reveal character, and avoid redundancy. But there are no rules with how you pace the dialogue inside … Read More »

I once took a graduate seminar about the writing profession where I told a room full of Creative Writing MFAs that they didn’t necessarily have to get formal education to be a professional writer. “There are so many opportunities to get experience and learn the trade,” I said. Coming from a History background, I pointed out that MFA programs were only created after WWII when the federal government wanted accredited classes for the money they pumped into universities. “After all, … Read More »

When it comes to writer’s block, Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter, Jason Isbell, is fond of saying “it doesn’t exist.” In the last six years, he has recorded three albums and contributed to countless collaborative projects. How has he maintained such a high creative output? It’s easier when a melody is running through you head?  Maybe. Or, it’s because as he says, “I think that’s just laziness. You can go through periods where you don’t like what you’re working on, but … Read More »