Want to know what it takes to become a writer? Ask a writer. Everything I know about writing, I learned from writers. Everything. During the next few months, I’m going to introduce you to four writers who blog about their writing life and share their journey toward becoming a writer. Today I’m introducing Sherry Mathews. Sherri has worked …
Becoming a writer is like becoming who you are meant to be. It’s uniquely personal. No two lives, and no two writer’s journeys are the same. Here’s what my journey toward becoming a writer has looked like so far: Throughout my book-wormish childhood and adolescence, I kept picking up pen and paper, writing stories, poems, …
Should you or shouldn’t you write that book? 3 WRONG REASONS to write a book: You think the life of a writer is enviable and glamorous. BZZZTTT. Any real writer will unfailingly tell you that writing is not glamorous. It’s a lot of lonely, hard work. You figure if you can just write a best-seller, …
5 right reasons, and 3 wrong ones, for writing your book Read More »
One of the first contemporary poems I loved was Sleeping in the Forest, by Mary Oliver. To adequately love a poem, you must prepare its dwelling place; memorize it. Revisit it frequently. When I found the poem (late 1980’s): Reading that poem (which is under copyright and not legally available online) felt like meditation to me. It felt …
Sleeping in the Forest: my love affair with poetry, part 2 Read More »
For you skimmers, here is the bulleted list right up front– 9 principles I learned from a great writing instructor: Don’t be in a hurry to be published. Love learning; read copiously. Especially love literature. Memorize poems. Don’t take yourself or your writing too seriously. Take the acquisition of wisdom seriously–live decently, courageously, and well. Trust; you …
What writing instructors should pass on to their students Read More »
Have you been infected by the writing bug? Do you want to know how to get somewhere with it, or maybe you want to know how to get over it? And is it contagious? This overview will give you the information about the origins, the communicability and the known treatments for “The Writing Bug.” Those …
The Writing Bug: causes, transmission, and treatment Read More »
You have a story to tell. Just write your story. I appreciate the dedication of hardworking career writers, those who have spent decades studying and practicing the art and craft of writing. I love literature. I wish everyone could write it; but it takes talent and dedication to write literature. You don’t need to write …
Don’t give up. Keep writing and revising. Keep knocking on doors and learning. Keep thinking about exactly who your audience is and what they care about. And keep connecting with peers and mentors who can help you improve your writing (because growing as a writer is like growing in compassion, it’s a never-ending process). Published …
While they’re not (yet) begging for your book, perfect your pie crust Read More »