As I pack my bag this week to head off to the “Sharing Our Hope” workshop, I give thanks for the writers I know that will be there and the new writing friends I expect to make. We writers need to nurture our creative sparks, rather than snuff them out (or allow someone else to […]
Kristi Holl
Draining a Writer's Reserves
“To create, one cannot be constantly other focused.” Gail Sheehy [I wish I had written the following article, but I didn’t. You should read it though, and maybe even print it out. It’s called “Encroachment,” and it’s by Robin La Fevers.] “Encroachment” “The pressing demands of daily life have a rather sobering ability to suck […]
Strong Writers Do This
During the past two years I’ve done more novel critiques than usual. Some have been so-so, some were very good, and a few have already sold. What made the difference between the “very good” stories and the manuscripts that sold? In my opinion, it was the overall strength of the novels. Often the “very good” book […]
Writing–and Writers–That Last
I’ve been watching Walton’s re-runs since the recent death of Ralph Waite. (He was the father of the Waltons.) So for you Waltons fans, here is a re-run of a post done after visiting Walton’s Mountain, VA…and what I learned about writers there. I’m going to reveal my age here–I was born the same year […]
Keeping the Dream Alive
Lately all my technology has decided to bite the dust. I’ve replaced the computer, the camera, and the Kindle. To this full-time writer, $$$ “emergencies” often mean taking on writing projects that will pay NOW. For me, that’s writing books and test material for educational publishers. I’m so thankful for the work, but it can […]
Pacifiers or Catalysts: Your Choice
What if you’re tired of your non-writing rut, but you can’t seem to crawl out of it either? I’ve noticed one amazing thing about myself and other writers who claim to want to write more than anything else. Something odd takes over, and we fill the free time of our lives with all kinds of non-writing […]
Shifting Focus: a Critical Writer’s Skill
When driving a car, you need to focus on the distance so you don’t run a red light that is coming up or miss your exit sign. But you also have to focus up close, paying attention to your speedometer or the car in the next lane. You won’t successfully reach your destination if you […]
A Walking Idea Factory
Some days I feel about as creative as a cement block. Most of us know, however, that we can’t wait to feel creative before we write. Writers who wait for inspiration before they decide to write are generally known as hobbyists. Working writers–those actively writing and growing in their craft–must write whether the muse is […]
Writing on the Road
If you can’t be flexible, don’t be a writer. Deadlines. Emergency phone calls. And you’re on the road again! Sometimes there is just no choice. Family needs you. Deadlines won’t budge. So you do what you have to do. It may not be ideal, but writing in the car can be do-able. Writing in a […]
Creative Writers and Depression
I was reading an article in Writing World‘s monthly newsletter (see archives here) where an editor revealed her struggles with depression. Her symptoms might surprise you. They also might sound familiar. Could This Be You? Dawn wrote: “It came as a huge surprise to me. I thought I was suffering from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, or […]