Books Distilled » Archive
How to Write a Novel: #2, Begin.
I could just type the title really big and call it a blog post. Begin. Not very satisfying, though, right? I’ve written before about just starting to write. Today I’ll go a little deeper in a two-pronged approach, discussing mindset and process. Mindset Start super small. When I began my novel, I couldn’t even call it a “novel” in my own mind. It was too big, too scary. It was “a piece that I was writing, that might someday become a novel.” My friend started writing her next book by committing to writing 500 words a day. (Not 500 good words–just 500 words.) Likewise, I tricked myself into beginning this blog post after a long day at work by committing to writing three sentences. Don’t expect great things. Commit for now to quantity, not quality. Quality … Read entire article »
Filed under: How to Write a Novel
How to Write a Novel: Part 1, Pick a Topic
As I revamp Books Distilled a bit, I’ll be sharing two basic types of posts: book reviews (at least one per month), and thoughts on writing practice. Specifically, I”ll be sharing a series with you called How to Write a Novel. I’ll be sharing all the lessons I’ve learned since I first came up with my novel idea six years ago, all the way to where I am now: halfway through my second draft of my … Read entire article »
Filed under: How to Write a Novel, On Writing
Book Review: Contents May Have Shifted
I absolutely loved Pam Houston’s book Contents May Have Shifted. It’s technically billed as a novel, though its structure is so unique it’s almost in a class of its own. Originally conceived as 144 Reasons Not to Commit Suicide, Houston’s protagonist (also named Pam) struggles to find a measure of peace as she travels, teaches, and looks for meaningful relationships. Told in 144 short vignettes, Houston somehow manages to knit Pam’s experience together into a cohesive … Read entire article »
Filed under: Contemporary Literature
The Artist’s Way, Week 1
I’m back! As I mentioned in my last post, I was feeling a little burned out on writing so I took a break. So, I celebrated finishing my Master’s degree—something I hadn’t taken time to appreciate when it happened in early January! I decided to take at least a full week off from writing, and after that I’d kind of wing it. I also decided that I’d begin again to go through Julia Cameron’s great resource, The Artist’s Way. I’ll be documenting my experience here. The first week is about recovery. Often we as artists are scared stiff about creating our art, for fear that it won’t be good, that we’ll find there’s nothing inside us to make art about, or because of trauma we’ve suffered from teachers, parents, well-meaning friends, enemies, or professors who have … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Writing
Taking a Writing Break
I’m reading Joyce Meyer’s Eat the Cookie…Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up, and I realized that I don’t celebrate small wins. I celebrate holidays and birthdays. I celebrate my friends’ small successes. But my own? I jump up and down once, and then I get back to work. I’ve been feeling burned out on my writing lately. I graduated from my MFA program in early January, and I dove right back into editing my … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Writing
How to Write Anywhere
I’ve written before about my own writing practice–I write longhand in a spiral-bound notebook on the Long Island Railroad, every weekday morning. When I first began commuting I couldn’t imagine writing on the train–or, indeed, writing anywhere except on my laptop, preferably in my home office, or occasionally in a coffee shop. I was reading Robert Olen Butler’s book on writing, From Where You Dream, when I came across his note on his own writing practice. … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Writing
Book Review: Kindle Single I Was a Stranger to Beauty, by Caroline McGraw
Friends, On Monday my dear friend Caroline McGraw of A Wish Come Clear published a Kindle Single, I Was a Stranger to Beauty. I encourage–suggest–politely demand–that you click over and buy this book for $1.99 immediately–not because she’s my best friend, but because her story will break your heart in the best possible way, break it open in order to let light in. If you don’t own a Kindle, you can download a Kindle Cloud reader for free. On … Read entire article »
Filed under: Contemporary Literature
How to Start Writing
Make Writing a Habit The act of writing is a habit. If that sounds dull to you—you were hoping for fireworks, the thrill of inspiration, constant all-night writing marathon sessions because you couldn’t wait for morning—if a daily habit of writing sounds dull to you, you should quick, pick another hobby. Repeat after Me: No Pressure to Write Genius Liz Gilbert tells us that she never promised the world she would write well—only that she’d write. In her … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Writing
On Craft: A Case Study on Setting in Downton Abbey
Yes, I know Downton Abbey is a TV show and not a book. If you haven’t started watching it yet, get moving! The third season is now available to watch online, so set aside a little procrastination time and get to it. I’m profiling the show as a case study on setting because it’s incredibly atmospheric. Check out the opening sequence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v00bHK2C6kc The Perfect Details Aren’t the details provided in that 30-second spot the perfect details to introduce you … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Writing
On Craft: How to Ground Your Writing in Space
People read, in part, to be transported to places they’ve never been. They read to traverse the Great Wall of China, swim in the sun-drenched Mediterranean, or walk the surging streets of Manhattan, all from their armchair, bed, or train seat. As a writer, you are a travel guide. You are a transporter. You are a painter of scenes. You are the person who answers the questions, “What is that place like?” whether the place in question … Read entire article »
Filed under: On Craft, On Writing
About Me
Ever stand in the bookstore or library, gazing around blankly, overwhelmed by choices, jealous of the other purposeful browsers? This blog is for you.
I read. A lot.
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