Tag Archives: Writers Resources

Writing vortex and must-read writing blog

If you’ve ever read Little Women, you’ll know that Jo March falls into writing vortexes. Well, I’m here to tell you that they exist–because that’s where I’ve been for the past few weeks, and in particular, this last week or so. I’m enjoying my time there. It’s been a while since I’ve ended up in a vortex so whirlwind-y with words and characters.

I’ll be back at some point to blog about all our summer adventures. There’s Girl Scout troop horse camp coming up and then the Betsy-Tacy Convention. July looks jammed packed with fun.

In the meantime, for you writers out there, I want to introduce you to a must-read blog:

The Bane of Your Resistance

Not only is the name epic–a play on author and creativity coach Rosanne Bane’s last name–but the website is as well. So many applicable strategies and tactics for whatever writing challenge you happen to be facing.

Even better? Rosanne has written a book on brain science and writing. Some of you know that if it’s a brain book, I’m all over that. Ditto for the writing books. So, brain science and writing? Together at last? It’s going to be Christmas in August.

Around the Writer’s Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer’s Resistance comes out on August 2nd, and yes, I’ve already pre-ordered. I’m also hoping to attend the launch as well.

Enjoy! I’ll be back once this vortex settles a bit.

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Filed under Books, Reading, Reading & Writing, Writing

Fifty/Fifty check in: week 2

A little late with the Fifty/Fifty check in this week, although I got my reading and watching done (and some writing, that’s why I’m late with the check in).

In books, I was all about self-help. In movie(s), it was all about the crying.

Books

The Productive Writer: Tips & Tools to Help You Write More, Stress Less & Create Success by Sage Cohen.

This book is pretty much what it says it is. Tips and tools for writing more and finding what you want to write as well. One huge plus is the author presents the material as options, not as “must do’s.” If you don’t know where to start in organizing your writing life, this would be a good first stop.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

It must be the New Year! We’re all about productivity and success. This was my audio book for the weekly commute and I also enjoyed. I’m all revved up now to tackle the world–or at least my little corner of it.

Movies

War Horse (film)

War Horse: A recent movie! In a theater! I know. And one that involves crying in public. Even better. Especially when it involves crying with one’s daughter in public.

Yeah, I took Kyra (and Andrew–I wasn’t too worried about him). Initially, I wasn’t sure this would be a good idea. Especially when Kyra sat through the Titanic preview (now in 3D!) with both hands clamped over her mouth.

Two and a half hours later, we emerged, tear-stained and emotionally drained. But it was worth it. She did like the movie; she loved Joey the horse (she’s a horse girl). Plus, both kids like history, so this spurred all sorts of conversations afterward. Kyra wants to learn more about World War I. (And how many nine-year-olds say that?)

Visually, the film is stunning (sometimes hard to watch, but stunning all the same). It’s been a while since I’ve sen a movie in a theater and I don’t regret choosing this one.

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Filed under 50/50, Books, Kids, Movies, Reading, War Through The Generations, Writing

25 Days of Debs: day 18 Saundra Mitchell

TGIF and it’s time to celebrate with Deb and multi-published YA author Saundra Mitchell.

Saundra’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Kissing the Dog-Faced Boy

First line: Right now, she’s sick to her stomach.

Oh, moody and angsty and with descriptions that make me wonder if Saundra spent time working in a carnival (must go check her bio).

2009 Debut: Shadowed Summer ~ a 2010 Edgar Nominee (Best YA Mystery)

Most recent: The Vespertine ~ an Amazon Summer Reading list selection! And look at that cover!

Be sure to visit Saundra. Her website is filled with resources, including some great ones for writers.

Catch up with Saundra: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

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Filed under 2009 Debs, Books, Promo, Reading, Reading & Writing, Writing, YA