Every week I share ideas and inspirations, both silly and serious, which inform my (writing) life.
Why You Can’t Finish
Does your perfectionism get in the way? Does finishing feel constraining? Does your excitement for a project tend to wane? Do you equate finishing with submitting your work for judgment? Learn why you can’t finish and what to do about it …
Avoid the Stock Phrase
Take it from someone who reads a lot of manuscript in the rough. Stock phrases and tics are noticeable–and not in a good way.
“Individual authors will of course have their own idiosyncratic linguistic tics. Dan Brown, of “Da Vinci Code” fame, is partial to eyebrows. In his techno-thriller “Digital Fortress,” characters arch or raise their eyebrows no fewer than 14 times.” [via New York Times]
How to Be Alone
Writing isn’t a social activity. Get comfortable being alone.
Every week I share ideas and inspirations, both silly and serious, which inform my (writing) life.
What Every Reader Knows
“Book publishers used to struggle mightily to conceal an author’s errors; publishers existed to hide those mistakes, some might say. But lately the vigilance of even the great houses has flagged, and typos are everywhere.” [via New York Times]
William Faulkner’s Voice
Ever wish you could take a class with William Faulkner? 28 hours of Faulkner’s recorded classes, readings, addresses, and Q&A sessions at UVA are available on this website.
“Walt Whitman began the day with oysters and meat, while Gustave Flaubert started off with what passed for a light breakfast in his day: eggs, vegetables, cheese or fruit, and a cup of cold chocolate.” [via New York Times]
Stop & Pay Attention
“It is so essential to stop and really pay attention. That ability to attend, to really take in what’s happening can spark ideas or directions that we wouldn’t have come upon if we hadn’t just slowed down and really paid attention.” –Jane Burstein [via Big Think]
MAD about Words
is the brainchild (and heartchild) of
Mary Ann de Stefano
