the writing life

The Journal, Wednesday, September 18

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * I didn’t plan * The numbers Quote of the Day “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself — and you are the easiest person to fool.”  Richard Feynman I didn’t plan to be back today with a Journal entry, but a comment on yesterday’s post… well, it’s as if I wrote “blue” and the commenter read “xvhbzrr.” It doesn’t really matter except that it also vividly illustrates exactly the attitude I was talking about in yesterday’s post. You can read the comment that prompted my response at https://hestanbrough.com/the-journal-tuesday-september-17/#comments. Here’s my … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, September 17

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * I experienced a major epiphany * The numbers Quote of the Day Again via The Passive Voice, “No insect hangs its nest on threads as frail as those which will sustain the weight of human vanity.” Edith Wharton This is the sort of thought that strikes me every time I hear a fiction writer refer to what he does as “hard work.” Such an appellation is nothing more than an attempt on two fronts to validate what the fiction writer does for a living. On the first front, maybe saying writing … Read more

The Journal, Monday, September 16

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Topic: I’m Finally Convinced * Yesterday * In my reading this morning * The numbers Quote of the Day Via The Passive Voice, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that receives it.” Edith Wharton Which coined this thought in my mind: Most writers won’t risk the benefit of light. They blow out the candle and huddle safely in the corner of the room, secure in doing the same worn-out things in the same worn-out ways, then wonder why they aren’t successful. Topic: I’m … Read more

The Journal, Sunday, September 15

In today’s Journal * Again, I just HAD to * Quote of the Day * For anyone out there * Yesterday * The numbers Again, I just HAD to write a Journal entry. You’ll see why. Quote of the Day “We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.” May Sarton in The Journal of a Solitude (Thanks, Sam T!) Not really about writing, but when I read it my thoughts went immediately to a character who might have that philosophy. Might even make a great intro to a story. *** For … Read more

The Journal, Saturday, September 14

In today’s Journal * I decided yesterday * Topic: On “Intertextuality” * My son and grandson * The numbers I decided yesterday to write a Journal post for today when I received Jane Friedman’s “The People in Publishing I Learn From,” which you can find at https://www.janefriedman.com/people-in-publishing-i-learn-from/. I strongly recommend it. The fact that she listed Kris Rusch hooked me on checking out the other people and links she mentioned. Also see Michaele Lockhart’s “No, But I Saw the Movie” at https://prowriterswriting.com/no-but-i-saw-the-movie/. And you might want to read my comment. Topic: On “Intertextuality” Yep. Intertextuality. If it sounds like one … Read more

The Journal, Friday, September 13

In today’s Journal * I had this * A special bonus * Topic: On Word Choice and Distractions in Fiction * Related to today’s topic * The numbers I had this short post all set to go out yesterday, then got busy and forgot to post it. And shock of shocks, the world didn’t end. (grin) I guess it’s all right that I’m not hitting it every day after all. As a special bonus for those who are hanging-in with the Journal, please be sure to check the comments on Dean’s “Dumbest New Myth In Writing” at https://www.deanwesleysmith.com/dumbest-new-myth-in-writing/#comments. A ton … Read more

The Journal, Wednesday, September 11

In today’s Journal * First, a moment * Public Service Announcement of the Day * Topic: An Important Post for Writers * For yet another * I think everyone out there knows * The numbers First, a moment to remember those who lost their lives in a selfish, shameful, cowardly act perpetrated by a few “unspeakable bastards” (as one columnist put it) 18 years ago today. I will personally never forget that day Neither will I ever forget the brave men who lost their lives needlessly in Benghazi on the same date 11 years later. Nor will I personally ever … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, September 10

In today’s Journal * Persistence pays off * Topic: I Do Rattle On * For something beautiful * The numbers Persistence pays off in blog-watching. Neil Gaiman is back with “A Long Catch Up…” at http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2019/09/a-long-catch-up-and-go-and-see-amanda.html. Also check out Dean’s site for a great opportunity. I also suggest checking out today’s PWW post at https://prowriterswriting.com/witd-a-new-question. My advice re WITD or don’t WITD? Don’t get wrapped around the wheel. Just write. Try to do so in a way that the writing is fun. Topic: I Do Rattle On Over on PWW today, I ended a comment with an implied apology for … Read more

The Journal, Monday, September 9

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * From Kristine Kathryn Rusch * Daily diary * The numbers Quote of the Day “I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged… I had poems which were re-written so many times I suspect it was just a way of avoiding sending them out.” Erica Jong So how many times do you have to hear it? From how many “names”? Get over the fear, realize there are no bad consequences for writing and finishing a story or novel, and Just Do It. … Read more

The Journal, Sunday, September 8

In today’s Journal * In this time * Topic: Some Sources Say * What has become (daily diary) * The numbers In this time of weird events and self-absorption, I thought I’d share some info about a truly great organization: Team Rubicon. This outfit provides disaster relief without regard for politics, race, gender, nationality etc. Members are dispatched to trouble areas (mostly natural disasters) to help clean up, rebuild, comfort survivors and do whatever else is necessary. Team Rubicon is composed mostly of former and retired military and first responders, but anyone who wants to help is welcome to apply. … Read more