Atlas Obscura

The Journal: Writing “Fast”

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Topic: Writing “Fast” * A dismal day * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “Professional writers think of stories or novels as just one continuous thing they write, never making one or another more important.” Dean Wesley Smith “I usually write a play in six days. A novel takes a month.” William Saroyan Topic: Writing “Fast” Again today I saw a writer trying to define “fast,” as in “Are you a ‘fast’ writer?” To me, this is like defining heat and cold or light and dark. Really, there is no such … Read more

The Journal: Yes, That’s What Happens

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * I’m writing this * Yes. That’s what happens * On an oddly related note * Today I’ll finish cycling and write * The Numbers Quote of the Day “My story began to develop and grow in unexpected ways, much like a baby who resembles neither parent at first but occasionally, even eerily, flashes a crooked smile or gives you that soulful gaze that makes you know you are staring at your spiritual twin.” Sunday Taylor I’m writing this on Thursday morning. I finished the recast of Book 4 by around 7 … Read more

The Journal: Not much today

In today’s Journal * Not much today * The Numbers Not much today. Nothing, really. I’m posting this mostly to get the items in “Of Interest” out to you. Especially the first item for you short fiction writers. In fact, it took me longer to make the links below “hot” than it did to write the rest of this. Talk with you again soon. Of Interest See “Making a Living With Short Fiction 2021” at https://www.deanwesleysmith.com/making-a-living-with-short-fiction-2021/. See “Abandoned Town of Cairo, Illinois” at https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/cairo-illinois. Story ideas. See “24 Creative Nonfiction Publishers…” at https://www.authorspublish.com/24-creative-nonfiction-markets-open-in-december-2020/. Any essayist or memoirists out there? See … Read more

The Journal: The “Christmas Star”

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * The “Christmas Star” * Paper * A quick apology * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “A lot of what has happened this year — if it were a novel, I would say that it had a little too much plot,” Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp Anyone who says things like ‘it had a little too much plot’ doesn’t know anything about writing and should shut up and go back to selling books. Or something less important. “PG notes that the author of the OP managed to write the entire … Read more

The Journal: A Quick Note on Semicolons

In today’s Journal * A new first reader * Topic: A Quick Note on Semicolons * The Numbers I’m pleased to report I’ve added one new first reader, Tim W. in Virginia. Welcome aboard, Tim. And thanks! I’m still looking to add more female first readers. If you’re interested (male or female), email me at harveystanbrough@gmail.com. I like to get feedback from both a male and a female reader when possible. As politically incorrect as it is to say so, it’s been my experience that they have different sensibilities; therefore, different things pop out at them as they read. I … Read more

The Journal: Adapted from Peter de Vries

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Free lecture on inspiration * My son and his beautiful girl Cathy * The Numbers Quote of the Day “[T]he next time a traditionally-published author or agent talks about Amazon ruining the book business, some might be tempted to say that the New York book business deserves to be ruined.” The Passive Guy From AuthorsPublish.com, “You are invited to attend a free lecture and Q&A session with New York Times Bestselling Author Emily Colin. She’ll be giving a talk on “Taming the Wild Beast: Making Inspiration Work for You. “The lecture … Read more

The Journal: Keep Coming Back

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Chatting on the phone * Keep Coming Back * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “Is PG the only person who is tired of the phrase, raise awareness? At the moment, PG’s awareness seems to be sheltering in place.” The Passive Guy Yup. Mine too. I’ve never been a big phone person. I’ve always considered the telephone a necessary evil. It’s something I carry around (usually) “just in case”) but it’s also an intrusive nuisance. However, there are a few people whose phone calls I happily anticipate and welcome when they … Read more

The Journal: A Really Good Day

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * A really good day yesterday * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “We know the human brain is a device to keep the ears from grating on one another.” Peter De Vries “I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.” Peter De Vries “We all learn by experience, but some of us have to go to summer school.” Peter De Vries Oof. December 1 already. I had a really good day yesterday to close out November with over … Read more

The Journal: Passion vs. the Critical Mind

In today’s Journal * Lest anyone misunderstand * I’m learning how to walk * The novel is writing itself * Of Interest * The Numbers Lest anyone misunderstand my recent post about passion, my intention was not to dissuade anyone from writing. My intention was to describe my own passion and to suggest you follow yours, whatever it may be. Nothing wrong with that. However, I also rail here regularly about the (evil) power of the conscious, critical mind and various ways it can stop you from writing. So let me add this to my previous post on passion: If … Read more

The Journal: Take Your Time

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Topic: Take Your Time * “That” and other words of interest * Great writing day * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” Pablo Picasso “My goal is to live my life in such a way that when I die, someone can say, she cared.” Mary Kay Ash (thanks to Sam T. for the tip) “In 1977, I wrote my autobiography. Since I was dealing with my favorite subject, I wrote at length and I ended with 640,000 words.” Isaac … Read more