My writers’ conference is moderately interesting so far. Fortunately, I am autodidactic, which means I never met a person I couldn’t learn from. This conference cost a third of what the Taos conference cost last year, and I’d say that … Continue reading
An interesting and well-written article at NBC news discussed the recent discovery of earth-like planet Kepler 452b, sometimes dubbed, “Earth 2.0.” http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/could-human-beings-ever-reach-earth-2-0-n399956 Apparently, Earth 2.0 is rocky, moderate in temperature, and could harbor liquid water. It might even have an … Continue reading
Almost halfway there, at 35,000 words, and still worried. I just drafted chapter 14 of my novel-in-progress. Fifteen has to take a sharp turn so that’s why I’m stalling. Usually I conceptualize moves that take a couple of chapters to … Continue reading
I just read and reviewed Green Girl, by Kate Zambreno. See it here. A green girl is a young, naïve, unformed girl, as Ophelia was described in Hamlet. Zambreno’s book describes such an unformed person in novel-length detail. But why? I … Continue reading
I just posted a book review, of Two Serious Ladies, by Jane Bowles. See it here. I didn’t mention in the review that Jane and Paul Bowles (author of The Sheltering Sky) were married for decades while they lived in … Continue reading
There are few things more unnerving for a writer than that familiar doubt that erupts in the middle of a project, “Is this total bullshit?” I know you’re supposed to ignore the “shitbird,” as I’ve heard it called, the bird … Continue reading
Seven chapters have miraculously appeared as the start of my new novel (although Chapter 7 has to be significantly rewritten to accommodate my plan for #8 – I hate when that happens). Regardless, I’m starting to enjoy my characters. I started … Continue reading
Enthusiasts keen on the search for extraterrestrial life always present this justification for their interest: we must find out: Are We Alone? This topic comes to mind again today (7/14/15) after reading a New York Times article (http://nyti.ms/1dWlI2y) on the … Continue reading
I’m going to a meeting of local screenwriters and wannabe screenwriters (like me) tonight, to see if 1. I can learn anything, 2. If I can survive without being totally intimidated, and 3. If I might meet some interesting people. … Continue reading
A milestone for any project is first words written. Page one, Chapter one: actual words. They are probably not the right words, but you have to start with words in sentences. The sequel I’m working on now will be my … Continue reading