Monthly Archives: April 2011

Writing Challenge #3: A Wildfire Writing Exercise

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

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Metamorphosis: Exchanging My Writerly Stripes for Spots

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

In the past six months, everything I know about myself as a novelist has changed, except for my dedication to the craft. That’s the one constant. I write every day. My wake-up-as-someone-else metamorphosis has to do with plot. Now I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Plot, Research, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

Blooming Tulips Brighten a Very Gray Spring

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

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There’s Nothing Like a Deadline

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

Posted in Fiction, Knitting, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Interview: Novelist Julia Stoops on Anti-War Activism and Using Research to Build a Realistic Fictional World

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

Posted in Fiction, Research, Seven Questions, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

On Scott Sparling, Flipback Books and Ken Metzler

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

Posted in Community, Flipback, Journalism, Seven Questions, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Interview: Miller-Kelton’s Edward Reilley Forman on Songwriting, Inspiration and the ‘Adjective Pinwheel’

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

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Writing Challenge #2: Know Your Setting

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

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Author Lauren Kessler on the Writer’s Life, Narrative Nonfiction

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

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Great Local Writers, Great Cause

Posted on April 9, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

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 →

Posted in Books, Community, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments