“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” -Terry Pratchett There’s a million stories; I feel like it’s not just telling yourself the story but deciding the best story that reflects the vision. What’s frustrating is that visions aren’t always easy to translate within the limitations of language. At the same time, thereContinue reading “A Million Ways”
Tag Archives: life
The Game
“Novel-writing is, for the novelist, a game of let’s pretend.” -Philip Roth When writing this novel, I’ve found the best way to keep going is to find the fun in it! Mary Poppins sings it well.
The Big Secret
“My writing process is a mix of research, personal experiences, washing the dishes, raising kids while thinking – then writing.” -Jean Craighead George I feel like this quote is giving away the big secret to writing. Imagine this is where it all comes from, not magic at all. I still believe there’s a mystery involvedContinue reading “The Big Secret”
Destructive
“There is something unwholesome and destructive about the entire writing process.” -Joy Williams This is the most honest and real quote I’ve seen yet when it comes to the writing process. I like to fantasize about having a neat desk, with a neat outline, and the story unfolding, in order, exactly when I sit inContinue reading “Destructive”
Interesting Bits
“I’m a big fan of editing and keeping only the interesting bits in.” -Sarah Vowell I write, write, write, then slash, slash, slash. Then I do it over and over again. I don’t know if my writing process will ever change or speed up, but I think this method gets down to the bone. What’sContinue reading “Interesting Bits”
What’s to Come?
“The truth is you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.” -Eminem This is both scary and relieving at the same time. I mean nobody really knows. We have this idea and our rituals, but really we just do those things to create a senseContinue reading “What’s to Come?”
Grace
“Grace is what matters in anything – especially life, especially growth, tragedy, pain, love, death. That’s a quality that I admire very greatly. It keeps you from reaching out for the gun too quickly. It keeps you from destroying things too foolishly. It sort of keeps you alive.” -Jeff Buckley I lead with grace. IContinue reading “Grace”
Walking Contradiction
“An artist is someone who can hold two opposing viewpoints and still remain fully functional.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald Fitzgerald hit the nail on the head with this one. I have so many contradictions living in me. Most of my actions are based on my values, but I’m not perfect; I have weak spots thatContinue reading “Walking Contradiction”
Make Every Accomplishment a New Beginning
“A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” -Harvey Mackay This is my day to celebrate the last day of the semester. I got myself a Reese’s cup, and now I’m going to take a couple of days to relax and decompress. How’s yourContinue reading “Make Every Accomplishment a New Beginning”
Life as Art and Breaking Free
“Stand boldly at the cross roads and make an art of it.” Your life is your art. Your reality is your escape. You get to wake up and decide who it is you will serve, what it is you will serve. I often lean toward the things that set my soul on fire. I’ve beenContinue reading “Life as Art and Breaking Free”
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