It might be strange to combine “rejection” and “encouraging.” They seem antithetical to each other. I suppose they usually are, but I’ve been remembering one of the earliest rejections of my work, and I think it was encouraging.
Writing Life
Oh, the Irony
I never wanted to be a teacher.* Not ever. Not when I was a kid. Not when I was taking a literature class from Mrs. Borsberry in the seventh grade. Not when I was taking a high-school English class with the slightly odd Miss Barrientos (All I remember is that we, the class, almost literally dissected Beowulf, and that we listened to Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” at full blast during one class period.). Not even when I was in college or grad school and was under the tutelage of some of my favorite professors. No, teaching never attracted me. I know myself too well. I can be a harsh taskmaster with my standards and expectations. I’m evil when given a red pen. Nobody needs to witness that sort of slaughter.
I Dub Myself…
I, for the most part, find titles to be silly things.* I don’t mind when they’re given to me, but it’s a little harder when I have to give myself one. I wish I didn’t have to do it. I would rather let my work speak for itself.
Where Do You Find the Time?
I recently was asked where I find the time to write and publish as often as I do. The simple answer? I watch very little television. That’s my magical solution.
Right Words, Bad Words, and Nice Girls
My roommate likes to watch The Bachelor. I despise the show for a number of reasons, but I like to spend time with my roommate. I, therefore, have seen several episodes.
Email Etiquette: A Dying Art?
I probably should not write this post because people are going to become afraid to email me. Some people already are afraid to post on my Facebook page. They think they’ll make a grammatical error, and I’ll attack them with my red pen. I’ve tried to explain that isn’t the case; I want people to ask grammar questions so that I can answer them. I never meant for my “Write Right” series to strike the fear of the red pen into people.