The Daily Journal, Wednesday, March 27

In today’s Journal ▪ Quote of the day ▪ Update on Pro Writers Writing ▪ Topic: Once More Into the Breach ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest ▪ The numbers Social media quote of the day: “I don’t see a need to strong-arm people I’ve never met into giving me happy thoughts and supportive words.” ~ Anonymous *** The subscriber list for PWW is growing. If you haven’t subscribed yet, we’re in the second round of posts and they’re getting even more interesting. To subscribe, visit http://prowriterswriting.com and click Subscribe via Email in the menu. At the request of one … Read more

The Daily Journal, Tuesday, March 26

In today’s Journal ▪ Yesterday I read ▪ Update on my challenge ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest ▪ The numbers Yesterday, I had the pleasure of reading the first few pages of a story from a relatively new writer. Hey, we all start somewhere. The writing was good, though the writer is currently too wrapped around the wheel of the myths he was taught in school. Again, we’ve all been there. But this writer is different than many. He wants to improve his craft. He was honest enough to post specific questions (which pointed to his being wrapped around … Read more

The Daily Journal, Monday, March 25

In today’s Journal ▪ If you don’t read anything else ▪ Topic: On Being a Hybrid Writer, Part 2 ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest ▪ The numbers If you don’t read anything else all day, read “In Y.A., Where Is the Line…” at https://www.thepassivevoice.com/in-y-a-where-is-the-line-between-criticism-and-cancel-culture/. This sort of censorship crap makes me wonder what the hell is wrong with people. If you would ever succumb to this kind of censorship, I suggest you drop your pen, close your laptop, and go find something fun to do other than writing. And if you choose to keep writing, gird your loins: jerks … Read more

The Daily Journal, Sunday, March 24

In today’s Journal ▪ I was really surprised… ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest ▪ The numbers I was surprised not to find a slew of comments on my Journal post from yesterday. Nobody saying “No! Don’t do that!” or “Yeah, I’ve been shopping a manuscript around tradpubs for awhile” or “It’ll be interesting to see what happens.” Instead, crickets. (grin) UPDATE: I did get one comment after I wrote this. I suspect that’s because the results will affect only me, at least directly, and that’s fine. I don’t want to think it’s because the topic was simply not interesting, … Read more

The Daily Journal, Saturday, March 23

In today’s Journal ▪ With respect to the OP… ▪ Topic: On Being a “Hybrid” Writer ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest (a boatload of links) ▪ The numbers With respect to the OP mentioned about Microsoft Word in “Of Interest,” you can still view (free) my blog series “Microsoft Word for Writers” at http://harveystanbrough.com/microsoft-word-for-writers/. Just sayin’. *** Topic: On Being a “Hybrid” Writer Part 1: Statement, History and Rationale At 66 years old, with 40-some novels and almost 200 short stories under my belt, I’ve decided to go hybrid. My work has been traditionally published before. I’ve had articles, … Read more

The Daily Journal, Friday, March 22

In today’s Journal ▪ I got a new coffee mug ▪ Topic: Turning a “Story Prompt”… ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest (a boatload of links) ▪ The numbers I got a new coffee mug from Zazzle (https://zazzle.com). My new mug reads I’M A FICTION WRITER. Yes, I’m poor. No, I don’t wish I wrote “__________.” Yes, I’m aware that no one reads anymore. No, I’m not drunk. Just thought I’d share. (grin) *** Topic: Turning a “Story Prompt” into a Story Idea From Reedsy’s Writing Prompts newsletter, “You’re a professional cleaner and the beginning of spring is always your … Read more

The Daily Journal, Thursday, March 21

In today’s Journal ▪ More on tutoring ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest ▪ The numbers Yesterday I announced that I’m willing to tutor a few writers. I wanted to give you guys the first shot before I announce it over on the big blog since I can only take on a few writers. But it was a confusing announcement at best. So I’ll clarify. This is to benefit you, so your writing will be the focus. I’ll provide instructions, examples ad nauseam, and exercises as necessary. We can work on one or more areas of your actual writing: punctuation, … Read more

The Daily Journal, Wednesday, March 20

In today’s Journal ▪ I’m still offering ▪ I’m also considering ▪ I’ve listed the first few ▪ The famous novelist suffering ▪ Topic: On the Need for Authenticity… ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest (a boatload of links) ▪ The numbers I’m still offering a free first-page critique, say up to 500 words or so. Send what you have as a .doc, .docx or .rtf attachment via email to harveystanbrough@gmail.com. *** I’m also considering serving as a personal writing tutor for up to three writers/students. We’ll work our way through Your manuscript, focusing on Your writing problems or weaknesses … Read more

The Daily Journal, Tuesday, March 19

In today’s Journal ▪ Dean Wesley Smith ▪ Mea culpa ▪ Catching up ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest (a boatload of links) ▪ The numbers If you missed it, do yourself a valuable favor and watch the half-hour video at https://selfpublishingadviceconference.com/how-to-write-a-novel/. Dean basically presents a masters class on writing fiction. I recommend you take notes. I did, and I also watched and listened to the video twice. It is incredible. I added this in several categories to my Writers Resources page. And for one of the most excellent and shortest posts I’ve ever seen, see “A Reminder” at https://phillipmccollum.com/a-reminder/. … Read more

The Daily Journal, Monday, March 18

In today’s Journal ▪ If you’re reading this ▪ Topic: The Most Important Advice I Can Give You ▪ Daily diary ▪ Of Interest If you’re reading this, I’m still messing around down on the Gila. I’ll be back “live” tomorrow. The topic below is a repeat from the big blog over on HarveyStanbrough.com and it might have appeared here in the Journal earlier too. But it bears repeating. Topic: The Most Important Advice I Can Give You About Writing, Editing and Publishing (Seriously) This post might have as easily been titled “What I Wish I’d Known When I Started … Read more