Category: Writing

Chekhov called it the gun on the wall. Bill Johnson, in his writing craft book, A Story is a Promise, called it just that. When you hang a gun on the wall in Act I, you promise that it will go off sometime before Act III. (And you know, even when I see a literal gun on the wall in a play, and they post that little sign out front: Act III contains simulated gunfire and smoke, I always flinch when its fired.)

Darcy sent me a little scenelet today that I think reinforces one of the promises we made. Actually, I think it opens it up even more. It’s terrific. One of the neat things about this process is getting little presents like that in my inbox.

We’ve also pondered how to show off our guns on the wall. Darcy and I both like subtle. But we’ve discovered that one (or two) person’s subtle is another’s what the hell are you talking about?

So we ponder. We want it organic, natural to the story, not some sort of neon: LOOK HERE! GUN ON WALL! I emailed Darcy the eloquent: Some readers really need a lot of “stuff.” I know we don’t need a lot of “stuff,” but for readers who do, they really need it.

I should write my own craft book. I can call it: Writing Stuff.

Anyway, I think we’ll have our stuff together in the next few weeks. Then maybe I’ll update the blog a bit more (I say that, but watch, I’ll be back tomorrow).

Until then, watch out for guns on the wall–and keep all your stuff together.

My (very) short story, TP-ing Casa de Clooney is up on The Long and the Short of It review site as their Thrifty Thursday short story (it will be on that page for a week, then archived).

This is the story that made the honorable mention list in the Women on Writing Flash Fiction contest, the one where they sent me that gi-normous box of stuff as a prize (all consolation gifts should be so grand).

So, thanks to Marianne, Judy, and Michele for giving it a home.

Two of the chief ways an essayist can prove interesting are, first, by telling readers things they already know in their hearts but have never been able to formulate for themselves; and, second, by telling them things they do not know and perhaps have never even imagined.

~ Joseph Epstein

The writing class I’m taking has that writing quote of the day feature, and this one keeps popping up. Every time I see it, I think. You know, that works for fiction, too.

You know, there’s something sexy about the title “freelance writer.” At least once a month at the writing site I frequent, someone will post the “how do I get started in freelancing” question.

 

Goodness knows I’ve thought about it. I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind. These thoughts are usually accompanied by images of sun-drenched mornings pecking away at copy while sipping a latte at the local coffee shop, or soaking up the quiet atmosphere at the library while researching salient facts.

 

This, however, is not the reality.

 

I bring this up because I’m writing an article for the Wet Noodle Posse ezine. Actually, I’m supposed to be doing many things, such as judging a writing contest, oh, and a little task called revisions, but never mind.

 

I came up with the idea for the article. I know what I want to write about. I have notes. Even so, I had a major case of: mind, screen, both are blank.

 

Because when you get right down to it, writing articles feels like homework.

 

For the longest time, I never thought I was a writer; I never embraced the 500-word essay on my summer vacation, or even the topic of my choice.

 

The topic of my choice would be: I choose not to write this.

 

I have no problem with technical writing. I can tell people to chmod 777 all day long. But I can’t tell people how to make five fun crafts for under fifty bucks. In fact, just writing that sentence caused several synapses to misfire.

 

Ironically, the topic of my article is: making the most of online writing classes.

 

My favorite line so far (which will probably be cut): What if they gave a writing class and nobody came?

 

Indeed.

 

I’ll leave you to ponder that.

I found this over at Marianne’s this morning:

Your Inner Muse is Melpomene

You are most like this muse of tragedy.While you aren’t depressed, you don’t shy away from sadness.Although you do tend to be gloomy, you have a sensitive side.And this sensitive side helps inspire and help others.

What Muse Are You?

I’m gloomy. Nice. Real nice. Although the whole muse thing is appropriate, since we have a running muse joke in Geek Girl’s Guide.

Here are some things I did this week, all in the name of revision.

• Looked into Krispy Kremes. Did you know they now have multigrain Krispy Kremes. Cuz you know, when I’m reaching for a Krispy Kreme, I’m thinking heart healthy.

• Couldn’t remember how to spell L-tryptophan, so I Googled sleepy turkey chemical.

• Looked up The Art of War and Sun Tzu.

• Looked up Lara Croft and Tomb Raider (although this reference I may cut).

• Sent Darcy lolcat inspired notes such as: IM in yr scene, makin’ changes.

Because we needed a visual: