On road trips, when my brothers and I weren’t squabbling or being reprimanded for imaginary wars with passing drivers, we played games. “I Spy” lost its luster quickly. We spent more time with the “alphabet game,” perhaps because it took forever to get through all twenty-six letters.
Writing Life
18 Quotes for the Writing Life
Every writer and artist claims some books as favorites. Oh, the list of books expands and contracts, but some books remain forever. They either leave a permanent impression or speak to a particular moment in time. The eighteen quotes that follow come from the former rather than the latter.
Alphabet Adventure: B is for the B Sides
I trade in words. If I were to go back to school, I would probably study linguistics and etymology. I like history and learning about how words morph in spelling and definition. They delight the senses, and the perfectly placed word—it’s an experience hard to describe. It prompts delight, occasions a “yes!” or an “oh” and scribbles in the margin.
How to Be a Better Writer: Clean the House
Some days, the writing life requires you to sit in the chair. Other days, the writing life ejects you from it. The words won’t come, no matter how long you stare at the screen or flip through ideas written on a Post-It or stored in Evernote.
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On Writing for the Public
All writing communicates certain qualities. Good writing causes the mind to question. It attracts attention through beautiful words and imagery. It invites the reader inward.
How to Be a Better Writer: Wield Your Words
Someone once said the pen is mightier than the sword. He might be correct, but the pen and the sword both require practice and mastery. Without those elements, you’re liable to nick an artery, club your head, lop off someone else’s head by accident, or falter beneath a flurry of sword strikes. [Read more…] about How to Be a Better Writer: Wield Your Words