“Don’t scorn the word: Poets, the world is noisy and silent, only God speaks.” —Antonio Machado Pornography, Shamanic Healing, & Language-Based Reality “Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” —E.L. Doctorow In 1992, or so … [Read more...]
Six Steps to Deal with Rejections
Whether we like it or not, ever so often, like an unwelcome houseguest, rejections creep upon us. It doesn’t matter where you are in your writing career or the number of books you have published; rejections lurk around us writers like shadows. Even after … [Read more...]
Kerouac Before the Jazz: a review of “The Haunted Life”
There are some great lost manuscripts in American literature and some are truly lost. Ernest Hemingway famously lost the only draft of the first short stories he ever wrote on a French train. Most writers have "lost" manuscripts, conspicuously placed in … [Read more...]
Reflections of a Writer
In 2012, for NaNoWriMo, which is an annual (November) novel writing project that brings together professional and amateur writers from all over the world, I commenced work on my third novel. I honestly had no desire of doing so because in the 1st week of … [Read more...]
How to Publish Your Poetry – Some Advice
Though the focus of this article is on poets & poetry, many of the tips below are appropriate for writers of fiction and nonfiction as well. Where should I publish my poems? Finding the right places to submit your can be tricky. Here's where to look. … [Read more...]
Why multi-genre writing rocks!
During the week of June 14-17, I was fortunate enough to win a scholarship to attend the Wesleyan Writers’ Conference. It is a program that offers the opportunity for people to meet fellow writers and learn from some of the best in the field, and I was … [Read more...]
How to write an excellent book review query
So, your book is finished and you need to get the word out. You've found some book reviewers who you'd like to email. You're hoping they'll accept a copy of your book for possible review. But here's where it can get kind of tricky. Those reviewers are … [Read more...]
10 public speaking tips for writers
Writers often work in solitude. But when it's time to do a reading or a book signing, or to give a presentation or speech, you're no longer in your own environment, and the nerves can really kick in! Do you dread public speaking? Here's how to alleviate … [Read more...]
The one thing an author should never, ever do.
I'm a reviewer. I hang out on message boards frequented by other reviewers. One popular topic on these message boards is that of authors who comment on reviews of their books. Almost all reviewers agree that authors shouldn't ever do it, and when it … [Read more...]
7 Examples of Constrained Writing
Constrained writing has drawn both glowing support and vehement opposition. Some claim it to be an evocative demonstration of the notion that less is more. Others see it as a cheap parlor trick that limits expression and creates a screen for hack writers … [Read more...]
On writing poetry – how to write terrific poems
Here are some tips on learning about poetry, finding your unique voice, and writing terrific poems. Preparation & Inspiration for Writing Poetry Read as much contemporary poetry as you can. Those who read little poetry rarely succeed as poets. … [Read more...]
Poetry Careers – Can You Make Money With Poetry?
Poets new to publishing sometimes ask how to get paid for publishing their poetry, and how to make a living as a poet. The answer, in a nutshell, is: you don't. Writing poetry is very rewarding, but not usually in monetary ways. Even the best-known … [Read more...]
Authors Copyright and Permissions
For some reason, we receive a fair amount of email from folks looking for contact information for particular writers. On occasion those searching for copyright permissions inquire as well. Below you'll find advice on locating writers, poets, their estates … [Read more...]
The Lowdown on Copyright for Poets and Writers
What you need to know about copyrights: [Please note - I am not an attorney, and the information presented here has been gathered from a number of sources. I am talking here about copyright practices in the US & Canada. If you would like legal … [Read more...]
17 Syllables: The Death of Traditional Haiku
Recently, I came across a poetry site touting the virtues of the winning work of a Haiku contest. The "Haiku" in question was an ode to the writer's car. Something small but vitally important died within my soul. In our fast-paced society brevity … [Read more...]
Constrained Writing Techniques
Constrained writing can produce some unexpected results. In my recent experimenting with language and poetry, I remembered some of the Surrealist/Dadaist techniques I’d learned in my youth, and added a few updates of my own. Found Poetry The site … [Read more...]