Margy Rydzynski and I have been colleagues and friends for years. When I met her for coffee last June, she had an unexpected question for me. Would I be her NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) coach? The worldwide NaNoWriMo challenge is held every November, but Margy was going to do hers in … [Read more...] about How to Pump Out 32,604 Words in a Month
Fiction
Edith Maxwell, Cozy Mystery Author
I met Edith Maxwell a few weeks ago when she appeared at our local senior center to discuss her work. Several of my creative writing students (two of them mystery writers) also turned up to hear from this multi-published writer. During the question and answer session that followed Edith's … [Read more...] about Edith Maxwell, Cozy Mystery Author
Rewriting: When it’s Time to Start Over
I've heard Mary Wasmuth's diary entries and essays in the journaling class I lead at the Weston (Massacusetts) Public Library. They've moved me, and made me laugh. And I'm pretty sure they've made me smarter. I'm thrilled that after several years of inviting Mary to contribute to this blog, she has … [Read more...] about Rewriting: When it’s Time to Start Over
How Do You Feel About Writing Contests?
A bit of controversy exists about whether or not it’s beneficial for writers to enter their work in writing contests. Some feel that contests are a waste of time and money, contending that publishers aren’t impressed by a writer winning a contest. And they’re not very happy that most contests … [Read more...] about How Do You Feel About Writing Contests?
A Reader Talks About Reading and Writing, Part 1
Lesley Peebles is my close friend who’s been part of my reading, and just as importantly, my writing life for 25 years. Because she’s so prolific and thoughtful a reader and has given me feedback on so much of my writing, I wanted to present her ideas about writing and reading here. - Lynette How … [Read more...] about A Reader Talks About Reading and Writing, Part 1
A Reader Talks About Reading and Writing, Part 2
My interview with my long-time friend and voracious reader, Lesley Peebles. continues below. - Lynette What are your favorite books from various eras in your life? The Narnia books still inform my spiritual life. When I was 11, I must have read The Descent of Woman—in which the author proposed … [Read more...] about A Reader Talks About Reading and Writing, Part 2
My Wonderful Creative Writing Teens
Recently the extraordinary teens in my creating writing class read from their work in a public forum. It's true the audience was mostly made up of the teens' relatives, but even that's meaningful. Some of my students had never allowed their parents to see their work before. And trust me, their … [Read more...] about My Wonderful Creative Writing Teens
3 (or 4) Terrific Books for Aspiring Writers
Are there books you turn to again and again to inspire your muse or strengthen your writing? This post (and a few to follow) is about those books I most often recommend to my creative writing students. Why? Because each of these books covers a lot of ground in an easy, accessible way. You won't … [Read more...] about 3 (or 4) Terrific Books for Aspiring Writers
Bestselling Author Leigh Russell’s Advice to Aspiring Writers
Author Leigh Russell writes the bestselling series of crime thrillers featuring detective Geraldine Steel. Her novels are CUT SHORT (2009); ROAD CLOSED (2010); and DEAD END (2011). Leigh generously shares tips for aspiring writers in her guest post below. - Lynette Guest Post by Leigh Russell … [Read more...] about Bestselling Author Leigh Russell’s Advice to Aspiring Writers