These are the rules I laid out at the beginning of my fiction workshop this fall. Maybe they will be useful for other writing faculty and students.
Read moreWriting Under a Male Pen Name
From time to time, I write a under a male pen name. I cannot tell you what the name is nor will I disclose what I've written, but it's been used across poetry, essays, and stories. Nobody--including my family--knows this about me, but I am telling you now.
Read moreThe Privilege of Madness
What is the purpose of the mad narrator? When an author begins a story, he or she should never start with this question.
Instead, they should ask: How will a mad narrator show the reader an unique experience?
Read moreThe Disappearing Act
This week, I'm on a writing retreat. You don't have to go too far to get a lot of writing done--you just need to create the time and space.
Read more10 Places to Write Outside Your Office
Need to get the heck out of your office (or corner of your bedroom)? Here are ten places you can go to jumpstart your imagination.
Read moreMy 6 Year-Old is My Writing Advocate
My son is my advocate and my writing coach. He is not my best friend. He is not my cheerleader. But he does support my cause (whether he knows it or not).
Read moreAre You Forgetting This 1 Crucial Step in Your Writing Routine?
Creative writing requires time off the page, especially performing this one task to help you push past the boundaries of your own imagination.
Read moreA Different Wave: On Patti Smith and Writing
The more I learned about Patti Smith, the more she became a distinct role model when approaching my writing craft, creative process, and work ethic. Here are lessons I gleaned from the Godmother of Punk.
Read moreHow To Keep Writing During the Holidays
You're finally on vacation for the holidays, but are you still struggling to get writing time away from friends and family? Here are seven tips.
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