When I was growing up, my family was working class. But my mother, whose parents had been owners of small businesses, had ambitions for us. My parents, both African Americans from the South, had talked about the past, but my father had always been reserved about his. His parents had died within … [Read more...] about Family Secret Uncovered: A Revelation in (Property) Deeds
Personal Essays
Writing “Trove,” a Memoir
My friend Sandra Miller spent years writing and revising her forthcoming memoir, Trove. Below she explains what prompted her to write this story, and how the memoir developed. - Lynette Sandra (above) writes: The idea of finding treasure has been with me since I was little and would search … [Read more...] about Writing “Trove,” a Memoir
Non-Writing Writers
I’ve been trying to figure out where the notion of the writer’s life as glamorous got its start. I know as a kid, I thought being a writer was something special, probably because then as now, I read a great deal. What I read astonished me. I was impressed and enraptured by writers' ability to … [Read more...] about Non-Writing Writers
Introvert Writers: Have You Ever Felt Adrift in Cyberspace?
If you have, please read my essay at Brevity, "An Introvert Writer in Cyberspace. Leave a comment, if you've ever felt the way I describe. Thank you! … [Read more...] about Introvert Writers: Have You Ever Felt Adrift in Cyberspace?
Are You An Anxious Writer?
Meredith Arthur runs Beautiful Voyager, one of the top 10 anxiety sites with personal stories, guides, and a community for overthinkers. She is also the editor of Invisible Illness, a group blog appearing on Medium.com. I asked Meredith to share her views on the connection between writing and … [Read more...] about Are You An Anxious Writer?
Use These Resources to Submit Your Writing To Contests
Writing contest opportunities are listed below, followed by some ways to protect yourself against contest scams. Please note: I have no affiliation with any of these web sites or contests. Poets & Writers The Poets and Writers link, Writing Contests, Grants & Awards, is recognized … [Read more...] about Use These Resources to Submit Your Writing To Contests
When Illness Changes You
Hi Folks: I don't know if I mentioned that I want this site to cover more than just the writing articles and advice it was designed for, but to address more personal issues. With that in mind, I hope you'll go on over to Bevoya.com to read my essay: "You Mean, I'm Vulnerable Too?" Please … [Read more...] about When Illness Changes You
Writers: Got Too Many/Too Few Ideas?
The range of obstacles writers face with their writing projects never fails to surprise me. Here are two that some of my writing students have faced and a few ways that could help you get beyond that perky problem. What if you have too many ideas and can’t figure out how to narrow them down … [Read more...] about Writers: Got Too Many/Too Few Ideas?
More Challenges to Writing About Your Life or Your Family
In my last post, 5 Emotional Challenges of Writing About Your Life or Family I discussed a few emotions—none of them good—that writing about our lives or our families can generate in us. Here are some other obstacles we life and family writers face. You Think Your Writing is Boring We’re … [Read more...] about More Challenges to Writing About Your Life or Your Family