Fill a page by writing about something--or many things--that you are good at. Are you skilled somehow in the use of your hands? Your feet? Your body? Your mind? Some skills we seem to be born with. Others must be acquired. What kinds of things do people ask for your help with? Which of your skills are they appreciating? Is there something you are really good at but … [Read more...] about What You’re Good At
One Page
“Keep your hand moving” is the catchphrase of freewriting. The idea is to write with little regard for what you are writing and get yourself into a state where ideas flow freely from your mind to the page. For many years, probably inspired by Natalie Goldberg, I wrote at least seven pages every day like that. (I have the filing cabinets stuffed with notebooks to prove it!) … [Read more...] about One Page
Summer Writing Classes
I am pleased and excited to announce that I will be teaching a series of writing classes throughout the summer. On Thursdays. Come to class for fun, inspiration and friendship. If you decide to do some extra work and meet certain requirements, you can earn a Basic Writing Certificate. There will also be opportunities to practice reading or speaking in front of an … [Read more...] about Summer Writing Classes
Read It Aloud
The best advice I can give to someone who wants to revise a first draft and make it “better,” is to read it aloud. Not to me, not to friends or strangers, not quite even to yourself. Read it aloud to an imaginary audience, preferably where no one else can hear you. Read with great expression. Stand up. Prop up the work so your hands are free. Record yourself if you like. The … [Read more...] about Read It Aloud
Writing for You
“Private pleasure is really just about your only guide for to how to write.” That sentence was penned by former U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan in Contemporary American Poetry: Behind the Scenes, an anthology of poets writing about writing poems. It’s spot on. Lots of people write. At different times, and with different motivations. So nobody can tell you how you ought to … [Read more...] about Writing for You