can't help telling stories
I joined a writing group called OWLS a while back, but that’s now really why I’ve decided I need them around my house. I’m hoping to deter critters from feeling at home on my back deck.
If I’m lucky, they may also convey a little wisdom on me and my writing.
Fingers crossed.
But for the time being, at least I like looking at them.
I went to the Writer’s Police Academy this year. I wish I had time to talk about what a great experience it was. Meeting people who actually work in law enforcement and public safety without having a reporter’s notebook between us was a great experience. Almost “on the job” training.
And I got to shoot some guns. Which wasn’t nearly as scary as pretending to shoot a gun in the video training simulation that police cadets actually use.
But I don’t have time to go into detail. It will have to be enough to say I learned a lot that will, I hope, make my novels better.
Here’s a great article about some of the best nonfiction work from women writers. I plan to read one a day until I’ve gone through all of them.
http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/04/queens-of-nonfiction-56-women-writers-everyone-should-read.html
One of my first editors a had a few catch phrases that were part of his everyday conversation. One he offered frequently was, “Done is good.” It was his reminder to meet deadlines. Jane Morrissey has put together a wonderful little post on finishing the first draft of your book (or poem or play).
Finish Your First Draft: 7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block.
http://www.janemorrissey.com/finish-your-first-draft/
Warren Adler, author of The War of the Roses and other books, continues writing in his 80s. He credits his ability to a daily memory exercise. As I read his essay, it reminded me of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I suspect it is never too early to make a ritual of remembering.
The Morning Routine That Enables Me to Keep Writing Novels.
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7595664
sharon p. lynn 