The Writing Process
Say no to “more details.”
Parents and teachers often tell students to “add more details” when commenting on student writing. It’s one of the least helpful things that you can say to a writer. Have you ever finished a novel or essay or memoir and wished that the author had included “more details?” Teachers and parents say this to students…
Read MoreGot kids? Here’s how to turn them into writers.
As a teacher and a writer, I often give parents advice on helping their children to become effective writers who (more importantly) love to write. My advice is simple: Be the best audience possible for your child’s work. If he or she wants to read something to you, drop everything. Allow the chicken to burn…
Read MoreThe 5 Stages of an Author’s Reaction to Editorial Notes
I just completed what might be the final edits to my next novel, The Other Mother. After turning in the manuscript to my editor, she returned it to me with editorial suggestions. I considered the suggestions carefully, agreed with more than 90% of them, and made the changes. After reviewing my revisions, my editor returned…
Read MoreIn defense of editors
I’m a big fan of editors. Copy editors. Proofreaders. Anyone willing to point out my stupidity, really, but editors in particular have gone a long way in preventing me from looking like a fool over the years.. Turns out that authors aren’t the only ones in need of editors from time to time.
Read MoreThe three worst things ever
Sometimes characters in my books speak words and think things that I would never speak or think myself. Other times characters say words and think things that are directly from my heart and soul. In these cases, these characters are speaking on my behalf. In Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, Budo lists the three things…
Read MoreDamn Canadians are ruining my book.
Clara handed me this broken percussive instrument. “Can you fix this?” she asked. “What happened?” I asked. “Charlie and I are playing camping. We made a tent and everything. And Charlie’s a Canadian woodsman. This is his axe. He was chopping trees, and then he tried to chop down the wrong tree. Which was actually…
Read MoreA possible cure for writer’s block
I have thankfully never suffered from writer’s block, but if you do, perhaps you could try this innovative means of writing in hopes of curing it: Write naked. I can’t say that his work was especially impressive that day, but he was putting words to the page, which apparently is a big deal to anyone…
Read MoreThe very best way to earn a dollar
I have a friend who is a successful attorney. He earns an excellent living. By all standards, he is doing very well for himself and his family. He is also a screenwriter. He has yet to sell a screenplay, but he has an agent, a manager, and a successful writing partner. He has been paid to…
Read MoreOwl hunters interrupt fiction writer’s flow
In case you didn’t know what an owl hunter looked like, here are two are in the flesh. Note the uniform: Pajamas. Straw hat or beach pail worn as helmets. Rain boots. Each is also equipped with a mode of transport (scooter or tricycle) and a flashlight. In this training run, I served as the owl. Lights…
Read MoreReading & Writing podcast interview
A while ago, I was interviewed by Jeff Rutherford for his Reading & Writing podcast. It’s a 30 minute conversation about my writing process, productivity, and many other things.
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