What does one fill poetry with?
….propaganda as they say? Worldviews? Human experience? What one is essentially? Faith? Religion? Politics? It matters. Continue reading What does one fill poetry with?
Category: writerslife
What’s it like being a writer? What I’m thinking about my writer’s life and the general writing life.
Poetry and me
I was reluctant to headline this post the way it is, as it may sound too selfie. But poetry interests many people so it’s the poetry that counts here. Then I ask, how do I intersect with poetry? Continue reading “Poetry and me”
Worth seeing reviewed
For more of my reviews one can go to my blog Worth Seeing Reviewed. Here are old and recent reviews. … Continue reading Worth seeing reviewed
When the key character knows the end: how it should be written
Someone predicting the ending of a story makes sense when there is an explanation for the prediction.
Continue reading “When the key character knows the end: how it should be written”
This writer knows his grammar
Just adding the word may have provided accuracy when one could have missed it out. But is it true?
Unique characters
Quite a character, in fact — as every movie cop should be. – Gordon Gow on the idiosyncratic features of … Continue reading Unique characters
A genre filled with life
When is the abundant genre appropriate to write today? Perhaps not these days. But what about past days? Future days? … Continue reading A genre filled with life
Powerful poems
Reading poetry is what I’ve been doing more of recently as a writer of poetry must read it to see … Continue reading Powerful poems
Writing in anger
A reviewer assumed a screenwriter/director was driven by anger to make a work, but being driven by this emotion seems … Continue reading Writing in anger
The mirror
Like Ibsen, he knew that to create is to judge oneself From the article “Film Autobiography” by Oswell Blakeston (Film … Continue reading The mirror
One word says it
As I am progressing my sentence, and stuck for the right word, I try and use two words. Why use … Continue reading One word says it
Not widely known
I have no idea of the matter but I trust the reference book is correct. This is on the matter … Continue reading Not widely known
Writing the picture book manuscript
March 28 is Children’s Picture Book Day. This brings back memories and inspiration. I must bring out that picture book manuscript I wrote all those years ago…
As it was on the schedule…
It’s been thirteen years since I first started devising and writing a tale and this week I revisited the story … Continue reading As it was on the schedule…
If one is in doubt before submitting
First impressions of work can be favorable, but later, an objective eye may see the flaws and blemishes. It should … Continue reading If one is in doubt before submitting
Abandoning one project isn’t abandoning the ship
There is a difference between abandoning something and abandoning ship. Abandoning ship means whatever you were occupying is abandoned for … Continue reading Abandoning one project isn’t abandoning the ship
When public profile does not matter
He just wanted to write. He did not want to show off. But Mrs. Humstead wanted to show every one … Continue reading When public profile does not matter
When the facts matter in written communication
I have been reading. Websites. And I see there is a dearth of facts. Sure, there is plenty of warble. … Continue reading When the facts matter in written communication
More writing to come read: articles etc.
I’ve been thinking…and there should be more writing and literature on this blog, in the future, than general writing and … Continue reading More writing to come read: articles etc.
Why waffle when one can be convinced
The English teacher warned the eagerly listening class about waffle. Let me add: you only waffle when you don’t write … Continue reading Why waffle when one can be convinced
One among the million stories
There are millions even trillions of stories in the Mind’s eye, but only one, maybe two or three, that should … Continue reading One among the million stories
Getting the job done
Getting things done is one of the things that bothers me — because of time I might not get the … Continue reading Getting the job done
It is normal to revise one’s published work
It is normal for an author to revise published works. Authors of books have done it all the time, I … Continue reading It is normal to revise one’s published work
Writing reflections is, well, a reflective exercise
I’ve been working on a book of reflections based on my readings of the Gospel of Mark. The gospel is … Continue reading Writing reflections is, well, a reflective exercise
The genre may choose you
I’ve been thinking. Of what use is a writer? When you reach a certain age, you look for a job … Continue reading The genre may choose you
Thinking before writing
Am thinking is my favorite hashtag. Because when I am thinking I am thinking about how I can move forward, … Continue reading Thinking before writing
The writing life is fluid
Writing is never over. Even the so-called “off-seasons” have a purpose, to enjoy and do well, and to lead one … Continue reading The writing life is fluid
On the way…
The details of my everyday life can make up real to life stories. I was not wanting to go to … Continue reading On the way…
Combing those market guides
I didn’t consider every publication, but I would have liked to. I think I almost did. It felt like it … Continue reading Combing those market guides
The tutor told you so
This is the first thing my writing tutor told me: always research the market first. That was the first module–on … Continue reading The tutor told you so
Life imitates art?
If an artist spends a lot of time alone, does the artist have time for people, or do artists obsess … Continue reading Life imitates art?
The solitude of the writer
I have had experience on my side, publishing credits, and an eye to improve for that next piece and the … Continue reading The solitude of the writer
Writing the relatable human side of characters
How can a writer let humanity flow in their stories? How does a writer share the human touch that the … Continue reading Writing the relatable human side of characters
Learning from rejection of writing
My devotion was written, edited, submitted, now in process of a month’s evaluation by the editors, then I am notified … Continue reading Learning from rejection of writing
Dreaming about writing
You know sometimes I like to muse like the guy pictured. Looking into the solar system. And I am musing … Continue reading Dreaming about writing
It’s in the post. Surprise!
Memory lane: Circa, 2017. Judson Press sent me a copy of the winter issue of The Secret Place which has … Continue reading It’s in the post. Surprise!
Commitment is more than ambition
One of things a publisher will want, I think, is commitment, and not serving the writer’s ambition first and foremost. … Continue reading Commitment is more than ambition
The mentor worth remembering
Then I am reminded, in the throes of writing a piece frantically. Remember the lesson? The one in the classroom? … Continue reading The mentor worth remembering
If I only had time
Writings: delayed, like many other things, but even more important. But it will have to wait. Continue reading If I only had time
Working on yourself, not some other writer
Someone I did not know told me I was doing a great job writing for such and such a publisher. … Continue reading Working on yourself, not some other writer
Persevering with the poem that’s a labor of love
Putting the much loved poem on the back burner was the logical next step. This after desperately searching for a … Continue reading Persevering with the poem that’s a labor of love
Persevering in the face of successful others
“I have two websites I use for information on publishing,” said the fledging writer to her inquisitive hearer. She was … Continue reading Persevering in the face of successful others
Older writers keep on going
The musing said to the aspiring novelist, the novelist was getting no younger: Hope the younger ones do well for … Continue reading Older writers keep on going
Compelling choices for characters
In storytelling class, the lecturer may discuss the concept of compelling choice. For these lecturers, compelling choice is the pivot … Continue reading Compelling choices for characters
Self-improvement for the writer
Improve! Speak for yourself, someone says! Yes, I aim to, maybe you will, too. We’re all trying…Take the opportunity to … Continue reading Self-improvement for the writer
Writers communicate internationally
Wisecracker: So you read those Indian romance poems in English. They’re English romances, then. Writer: It was a translation into … Continue reading Writers communicate internationally
Romance stories from India
Reading some of the romantic poems and literature that comes out of India, I saw a lot of heart brokenness … Continue reading Romance stories from India
The artist’s mind’s eye
In the throes of life, an artist happens to be picturing something in their mind, and wishes to translate that to paper. It may have arrived ‘through the ceiling’ as it was; or in the other words it just popped into their mind. It could come from observation of the real world; a landscape, a person; a thing. But like a camera the artist has a snap shot in their mind of something they want to put onto canvas or in a novel.
The stimulus of ideas
One idea can produce two ideas, but they both take a different slant, that’s the difference. For example, take this … Continue reading The stimulus of ideas
Lessons of rejection: belief
Rejection can be a task master making you try harder, be different, fit in, conform, and do what will make … Continue reading Lessons of rejection: belief
Nebulous writing has a point
Nebulous writing is without a plan, a shape, a design. Just write. With the thought in the back of the head: think about where this piece, this novel, this screenplay is going.
Happens at some stage in a writing career. The fluid recording of thoughts, typed, or on paper, translated into something of a story, a piece, an article, a personal experience related, into a script of some important story.
In the end, nebulous writing isn’t nebulous at all, for all writing must go somewhere.
Editing to personal satisfaction
Whatever you do do it well- Walt Disney I’d like to avoid the difficult editing stages of polishing a piece … Continue reading Editing to personal satisfaction
Understanding the nuances of the language
A way to be understood if someone cannot distinguish your speech. Say one is asking another person what spread she … Continue reading Understanding the nuances of the language
The way to answer a curious onlooker
The question blogger writers get quite often is what are you working on? What are you doing? They can reply in the comments section or their own posts. Sometimes, the question is asked face-to-face.
Writing by instinct no matter what
Sometimes, a writer takes the bull by the horns and just writes, whatever the result, whatever the outcome. Like they … Continue reading Writing by instinct no matter what
Introspective writer’s moments
They tell you to never look back. It just stifles the present. In writing, it makes one think of the negative points of one’s writing. I wish I had done it better one moans. However, I do not mind looking back at what I have written in the past if just for the curiosity of rediscovering how my older work sounded.
The writer’s life may not be chosen
What kind of future. Contributing, that’s all. Had it been foreseen? Continue reading The writer’s life may not be chosen
The future happens when writing
Keep on trying. See what happens. Then after a while I saw the future. Continue reading The future happens when writing
The writer’s life reflects back
As part of my writing journey, an important part for me, is reviewing what I have already written.
Deciphering, what?
But no one needs to tell him that. It is pretty self-evident. Pretty self-evident, you say? Come off it. It’s … Continue reading Deciphering, what?
Not letting writing get to your head
Track record of successes, and bragging rights, is, for me, not important; I do not bond with it or like. … Continue reading Not letting writing get to your head
The ever learning writer
I always intend on doing a good if not great job, something that I can be proud of, or at … Continue reading The ever learning writer
Obituaries
I don’t make a habit of reading obituaries or what is called the death notices, but as part of my … Continue reading Obituaries
Choosing the better ones
Over a week, I wrote five devotions, which gave me a choice of which ones to submit to the editor. … Continue reading Choosing the better ones
In the habit of writing well
There are the usual habits of the writer, but for me one of the most important one is “waste not, … Continue reading In the habit of writing well
A discipline of writing
Writing foundations—the core values—and the silent voice they come through. At other times, the abstract nature of writing takes over … Continue reading A discipline of writing
Cut out to be an author of books
Why be an author? I mean, an author of books. This is the question I ask myself and I come up with the same answer, which is really a question. Am I committed to being an author of books?
Imaginatively using irony
Sometimes, slight sense of irony in a sentence can add color to what would be a pedestrian line of writing … Continue reading Imaginatively using irony
Becoming the author – is one ready?
There’s always in the back of the mind of a writer of shorter material the time when he’ll be an … Continue reading Becoming the author – is one ready?
What will the author do next?
The humble writer or artist and filmmaker for that matter, may shy away from publicity or at least attempt to. … Continue reading What will the author do next?
The art in it all
The writer and the artist are names that can be used interchangeably, in terms of function– the purpose is to … Continue reading The art in it all
Follow-up articles are always interesting
Stories have a habit of mushrooming and expanding out, which one article can’t handle. The follow-up article continues the story. … Continue reading Follow-up articles are always interesting
Compliments received even when
It’s always nice to be told you’re doing a good job, even when it could have better. Continue reading Compliments received even when
Controversial articles
What I have learnt from reflecting on an article about a controversial issue, is to find the ‘cog that turns … Continue reading Controversial articles
Merely interesting?
When an article is merely interesting. If its my article, I deny it. Because I believe, rightly or wrongly, that … Continue reading Merely interesting?
This is stimulating reading
For me, when it comes to reading a piece, the best effect is when I’m intrigued and stimulated by the … Continue reading This is stimulating reading
When the article lacks that certain something
Have you ever had the feeling a piece of writing goes on and on, especially in the middle, when it … Continue reading When the article lacks that certain something
Between truth and experience is the writer
in 1999, I wrote a short piece that was implicitly about truth but even I, the writer of that article, … Continue reading Between truth and experience is the writer
Cliches are pain, are they not?
I’ve heard it said that it’s better not to use cliches in one’s writing and it’s better to say it … Continue reading Cliches are pain, are they not?
When endings make sense
Sometimes, articles sign off with the big takeaway point — but if a reader will engage that point depends on … Continue reading When endings make sense
Reflecting on what’s going on in the mind of a writer
An article can reveal the state of mind of the writer, if the reader can see through the writer’s lines. … Continue reading Reflecting on what’s going on in the mind of a writer
Writers taking a break everywhere
Sometimes, a writer may get bored writing in the same genre. So, taking a break may do wonders for the … Continue reading Writers taking a break everywhere
Did that inspire you?
I may have grown out of writing articles for one reason or another, but I hope my published articles inspired, … Continue reading Did that inspire you?
When the page comes together
The headline, the opening paragraph, and the photos, all come together to set the tone for the article. The editors … Continue reading When the page comes together
No explanation required
Some readers know implicitly what a writer is talking about and the writer does not need to explain a thing. … Continue reading No explanation required
Small touches matter: the edit that counts
Do small touches make the difference to an article? Like a slight tweak, a slight delete, a shortening, a change … Continue reading Small touches matter: the edit that counts
Editing SOS
Ever thought an article of yours that was published sounded uneven? Like some parts could have been better, but other … Continue reading Editing SOS
Editing that works
An editor of mine, a while ago, had the good sense to ‘broaden’ or ‘widen’ my paragraphs. In my submitted … Continue reading Editing that works
First paragraphs as they say matter
There’s nothing like a good paragraph to start an article, but what if your own paragraph (this one I’m writing … Continue reading First paragraphs as they say matter
Moments that matter
It’s great to read an old article of mine. What somebody said in it are quite simply words of wisdom … Continue reading Moments that matter
Writing to make an impression on the editor
A brief guide on how to make a positive impression with an editor for any writer like me who’s been … Continue reading Writing to make an impression on the editor
Why do editors not edit things?
Why would an editor not edit a piece that is going to be published? The answer may be simple. The … Continue reading Why do editors not edit things?
Submitting agony
There comes a time when I must decide on what devotions I am going to submit. The pain of it … Continue reading Submitting agony
Looking closer at my work
There was a period where I again read, but critiqued, my own work, because I thought it wasn’t as readable … Continue reading Looking closer at my work
When editors publish your work
It’s good even great to get editors to accept your work and publish it even when some things were edited … Continue reading When editors publish your work
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