The Writer’s Life; Or, How to Succeed in Writing Without Actually Writing

Spoiler: you can't. Apparently. Lately I've realized I'm more in the habit of thinking of myself as a writer than of actually being a writer. My first publication was in the newspaper in Springfield, Missouri, when I was in first grade. It was an exceptional (if I do say so myself) poem about our puppy …

Catching Up and Looking Ahead

It's tempting to do a 2020-lookback post, but with a couple of weeks left to go in the year (and a couple of projects still on the needles) I want to wait a bit longer, to tie up a few loose ends before I reflect back on them. Still, I can't keep from thinking about …

Writing the 50-Yard Line, and Knitting Christmas

Last week I wrote about how I'm learning from National Novel Writing Month that one of the most important things is writing every day. The day after I wrote that in last week's post, I skipped a writing day. Then a couple days later I skipped another one. It has been the kind of week …

Re-membering Joy, NaNo Week 1 Recap, and Holly-Hauling

Well, it has been a week. I---along with everyone else in America, and apparently around the world---have thoughts about the current political situation. A lot of thoughts. And I don't know that there is anything to say that hasn't already been said, so instead of spewing thoughts (except to my husband, who is committed "for …

FO Friday: Finally Finishing

I started this week with three intentions: 1) finish the chapter-book draft, 2) deal with voter registration and business licensing, and 3) wash and assemble stoles. Overall this week has been a pretty big "meh" (punctuated by horrifying current events) so I feel okay that I finished two out of those three things. In fact, …

What I’m Learning Wednesday: To Listen to Tears.

If you saw me ugly-crying in church many Sundays, you might not believe me when I say this, but I promise it's true: I am not an emotional person. By that I mean, I don't make decisions about things emotionally. I'm an Evaluate the Situation person. I'm a Pros & Cons List person. I'm a …

What I’m Learning Wednesday: To Be Lousy

This week I started a 30-day class to write a children's book. I didn't know I had any interest in doing this until I watched R.L. Stine's Masterclass a few months ago. The way he talked about writing for kids struck every chord I have, even though I never read (and don't want to write) …

What I’m Learning Wednesday: How to be a Writer From Now On

Last Wednesday, I was two days in to the online Writing For Your Life conference. Today there are just two more days to go, and I feel my energy and interest shifting toward What's Next. I'm grateful that I've been able to focus on this conference for the past two weeks, to commit most of …

Feel-Good Friday: Craft

Is writing a craft? We use the word "craft" in a lot of ways. Sometimes it's derogatory--"art" is provocative or Meaningful, "craft" is popsicle sticks and hot glue. In VBS I loved the craft station best (both as a kid and as a conscripted mom!). Give me all the popsicle sticks, and if there's yarn …

What I’m Learning Wednesday: Where to Begin(?)

Every day this week and next I'm "attending" (from the desk in my office), an online writing conference put on by a spiritual-writers organization called Writing For Your Life. It's been two and a half days of a VIRTUAL conference so far--and I'm exhausted! I know I'm an introvert, but this is ridiculous! Huge eyeroll …