Monthly Archives: April 2011
Writing Challenge #3: A Wildfire Writing Exercise
Christi Krug, Wildfire Writing coach and an amazingly versatile and soulful writer herself, has submitted this wonderful exercise for this challenge. Here’s what she has to say: My superpower is helping writers overcome creative blocks. I especially love blocked beginners–those who … Continue reading
Blooming Tulips Brighten a Very Gray Spring
We’ve had a mostly soggy April here in Oregon. What better way to lift one’s spirits, and encourage creativity, than heading to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn? Here are a few photos for those of you craving a splash … Continue reading
There’s Nothing Like a Deadline
With novel-writing, my only deadline is to polish a few pages for my monthly critique group. I work on my manuscript every day, but sometimes I wish I had a firm deadline so I could measure myself against it. Am … Continue reading
Interview: Novelist Julia Stoops on Anti-War Activism and Using Research to Build a Realistic Fictional World
Julia Stoops is one of the most accomplished creative professionals I know. She has earned acclaim in numerous fields, including visual art, teaching, innovative website design and fiction writing. She recently completed her first novel, PARTS PER MILLION. Julia’s work on … Continue reading
On Scott Sparling, Flipback Books and Ken Metzler
Consider this a three-in-one blog post. It’s gotten so busy around here–with the growth of my Seven Questions series–that I need to squeeze a few topics together before the next installment, featuring novelist Julia Stoops. She will share her thoughts … Continue reading
Interview: Miller-Kelton’s Edward Reilley Forman on Songwriting, Inspiration and the ‘Adjective Pinwheel’
Today Miller-Kelton, a Columbus, Ohio alt-country band with classic rock and folk sensibilities, celebrates the release of its new album, “Tip-Top.” I’m pleased to interview Edward Reilley Forman, the band’s songwriter, “rhythm guy” and vocalist. Edward Reilley’s lyrics are narrative … Continue reading
Writing Challenge #2: Know Your Setting
Today’s challenge is inspired by Lara Johnson’s recent post about settings, and where my own novel is taking me–straight into the underbelly of 19th century New York. And by underbelly I mean a notorious neighborhood rife with prostitution, murders and … Continue reading
Author Lauren Kessler on the Writer’s Life, Narrative Nonfiction
I didn’t mean to start taking notes at the April 8 HomeWord Bound event, but as Lauren Kessler, one of the featured authors, started talking about the writing life, I couldn’t help myself. My notebook slid out of my purse, … Continue reading
Great Local Writers, Great Cause
Last night I had the pleasure of attending HomeWord Bound, the annual Community Partners for Affordable Housing benefit, at the Tualatin Country Club. HomeWord Bound invites Oregon writers to join community members and housing advocates for a memorable fund-raising gala. Along … Continue reading
