Tonight (or “several days ago,” by the time this blog is scheduled), I went through my usual Sunday routine: an early, but not too early, rise; a few hours in the bookstore where I work; and then an enthusiastic dash to the restaurant a few doors down, where I sit at the bar and drink…
Once in a creative writing class, my instructor described story ideas like they were some form of spiritual entity, floating around from person to person and looking for just the right artist to catch hold of them and make them real. And he warned us that if a story latches on to us, and we…
A scene from my sequel-in-progress, for anyone who is unconcerned with spoilers. This scene may become modified or removed by the final draft, depending on the bigger picture. But for now, Anita finds herself challenged once more by her friend Zi’s special blend of realism and optimism.
I have been struggling to find the will to be creative recently. Actually, it’s been quite a long while. Maybe since reaching adulthood; definitely since trying to make a business out of writing. The thought that I keep coming back to is, “What’s the point?” What’s the point in putting something new out there when…
In his book, The Grammar of Fantasy, noted writer of Italian children’s literature Gianni Rodari gives an example of re-creating a familiar fairy tale by breaking it down to its most basic elements and “recasting” the story. For example, Character A (Cinderella) lives with Characters B, C, and D (Stepmother and Stepsisters), who are invited…