This is my four-month journey of how I got from using "Big Brother" to Aginili, and is an example of why learning a language instead of using "found" words is beneficial/aggravating. I am learning Tsalagi/Cherokee over the next few years to build up a prequel novel to Fodder for Pigs. It will also enrich my … Continue reading Chasing Aginili: “My Older Brother”
Author Newbie Tag 2.0: When Pigs Fly
Spare time is like riding unicorns through rainbows while pigs fly about my head. It never seems to happen except when I neglect my household. Well, get ready for some spare time I've made. Maybe you can read it while watching your own pigs fly. I've been challenged to participate in #Authortalktuesday. I think that … Continue reading Author Newbie Tag 2.0: When Pigs Fly
Author Interview: Monique De La Uz
What I love about the writing community is that every once in a while I meet an author or two that has a heart of gold. I know several of them now. These people have a genuine desire to pour their hearts out onto a page and help others do the same, in whatever capacity … Continue reading Author Interview: Monique De La Uz
#WIPjoy: About Fodder for Pigs
I realized I don't talk about my work in progress much, at least not with people who don't have a reason to care. One of the groups I admin did the #WIPjoy tag a while back, and I thought it was pretty fun! It is a good exercise in getting us to think about our … Continue reading #WIPjoy: About Fodder for Pigs
Why I chose to learn Tsalagi as research
Learn a new language as research? Crazy lady! I decided to learn Tsalagi/Cherokee over the next five years. Logical, since I have [almost] nobody with whom to speak this new language? No! But I have found a way to work it in and have about a week left of syllabary learning. Then it is on … Continue reading Why I chose to learn Tsalagi as research
Tall Socks: A Microfiction
If you asked me a year or two ago if I wanted to write microfiction, I would have Googled it and said: "no, I'm working on my novel." This would be a mistake. A new novel writer ought to have a collection of short stuff or risk being completely unknown in front of the "jury" … Continue reading Tall Socks: A Microfiction
Editing Blues, Scrivener, and Scrivener alternatives
I've been absent. My little green couch, perfect for me to spread out with my laptop and type-type away, has me like a magnet. Doing what? Learning how to use Scrivener and pining over my third self-edit (fourth draft!). I even gained five pounds. The good news is that while on this editing and procrastinating … Continue reading Editing Blues, Scrivener, and Scrivener alternatives
Online Communities for Writers
Why join a writing community? Support, encouragement, connecting with readers and fellow writers, and learning are my top reasons. When I first started writing I thought it would be fun and something I could do alone. Nope. Well, it was fun, but I'd isolated myself and therefore stunted my growth as a writer. I didn't … Continue reading Online Communities for Writers
Be a better writer: read books about writing
Some folks say "just write and you will get better". Well, no. If we just write with no foundation, we write crap. I know because I did it, and I thought my crap was fantastic. Thankfully my writing has improved by leaps and bounds. The secret? Reading books about writing.
Is it Character Weakness or Strength?
We often focus on our characters' weakness. This is fine because everyone has a weakness and that makes them relatable, but what if we focus on their strengths? We get more defined characters. According to psychologist Don Clifton, each strength, when used at the wrong time or inappropriately, can be seen by others as a … Continue reading Is it Character Weakness or Strength?