Thoughts
I write a lot. Essays. Articles. Blog posts. All of them sharing what I’m thinking about. Maybe you think about these things, too.
Dealing with Muddle in the Middle of Your Fiction
To get from your beginning, rife with possibility and excitement, to your ending, a surprising yet inevitable conclusion that fulfills the hopes of your readers, you must traverse the dreaded muddle in the middle.
Judging a Book by its Cover
Others’ mileage will vary, of course. But I have all this on my mind today specifically as my publisher reveals the new cover for my new novel… and I’m already fretting about the next.
Art & Politics & Weight
Yes, it’s important to reflect and comment on and challenge people around reality, but it’s also important to imagine something better.
The Dreaded Apostrophe: A Quick Cheatsheet
There seem to be errant apostrophes everywhere one goes. Here’s an easy way to keep track of them!
“Don’t Know Much About History…”
We have to go back to the time we’re researching. Not what later scholars said about it. What the people who lived it said about it.
A Walden Retreat for Readers
If you’re a reader, then you’re a thoughtful person, and I always try to write about subjects that will help you think.
Travel the World!
One of the things I’ve always loved about books and reading is how you can explore places you’ll never actually visit; you can travel the world without leaving your favorite chair.
Lethal Alliances ... Published!
A master of suspense, de Beauvoir is renowned for creating authentic, compelling characters. Her nuanced, knowledgeable, and passionate portrayal of real-life individuals not only brings their stories to life but also reveals the machinations of a troubled time all too reminiscent of our own.
Opening Your Story
The first rule of opening a story is to start the way you mean to continue. Your first few sentences should capture the voice that you’ll be using to tell the rest of the story. They should also present a point of view, a hint of characterization, and the beginnings of your plot. The opening is what gives the reader direction and momentum.
The Wait’s Almost Over: Introducing Lethal Alliances!
Read about the passions and politics of medieval France in a tale rich with adventure, turmoil, and heartbreak.
Pre-Thinking Your Short Story
At the end of the day, remember it’s always about the reader.
Travel Lightly
We know we’re lucky to be here … and you are, too. Let’s act as if we can share these fleeting months of sunshine and beauty.
Creating Believable Dialogue in Fiction
Just because in real life people must have a conversation with the grocery clerk about the price of melons doesn’t mean that particular interaction has to happen in the story.
The Nights Will Flame with Fire
Keeping going once the flames are out, whether with writing or with life: that’s the tricky part.
This Post Has Nothing to Do with Writing
Holy Week had only just begun when the palms of Sunday gave way to the flames of Notre-Dame de Paris on Monday. I was struck in particular by one of the images, which I’ve attached here, of the cathedral's gargoyles silhouetted against the fire. Gargoyles were meant to be protectors, but on this night they were helpless to protect.
Living with Empty Spaces
It’s okay. It’s okay to live with empty spaces, whether on walls or in books … or in life. It can be, in fact, the most freeing, exhilarating, and creative thing you can do.