At a CWC Mt. Diablo Branch workshop on writing emotion, Amanda McTigue pointed out that whether people are reading or not they are still exposed to stories every day. Movies, television, sometimes even advertising are all informing our potential readers. When there are so many stories floating in the air, how can we make our […]
Writing in a Story-saturated World by Lani Longshore Read More »
Anyone who writes fiction knows this dilemma. You write a memorable character who is so realistic your friends swear they know who it is. They’re right, and they’re not pleased. Admit it, sometimes friends and family do the most interesting things. You want to include their exploits in your novel, but you know they won’t be flattered. My
Keeping a Collection of Characters by Lani Longshore Read More »
Recently I took a workshop for an art technique I already know. I registered for the class to work with teacher. It was the best decision I made – on a variety of levels – and useful for writing as well as art. First, however, I had to commit to following her instructions. Following instructions is hard
Finding a Writing Footpath by Lani Longshore Read More »
I really enjoy the “Aha!” moments in life — those flashes of inspiration that come when you least expect them. They are moments of brilliance and joy, testament to the magic that we call human creativity. Inspiration cannot be coerced or scheduled. Sir William Rowing Hamilton offers a famous example with his discovery of quarternions. He
Flashes of Inspiration by G. Karl Kumfert Read More »
My sister-in-law just passed her final test to obtain a concealed gun permit. This is the sister-in-law with an MFA, who does exquisite pastel sketches of wildlife, and whose favorite outdoor activity is hiking in quiet mountains. Knowing that she also wanted a concealed gun permit – although not the reason why – got
Concealed permits by Lani Longshore Read More »
While wandering in an antique shop, I noticed a simple but elegant bookcase filled with beautiful linens. On top of the stack on the highest shelf was a very realistic toy cat. I had to stretch to reach it. I tugged on its foot to determine if it was stuffed with kapok or buckwheat. The
Reality is in the foot of a cat by Lani Longshore Read More »
The participants of NaNoWriMo (and congratulations to you all, whether you hit 50,000 words or not) now have the editing to do. Like childbirth, getting the new creation out is only the first part of the job. Next comes the sorting and training, the snipping and shearing, dressing up and dressing down. For those of
Treasure by Lani Longshore Read More »
At the December CWC meeting, several of us got to talking about characters. In particular, character voice and how to keep each character separate, different, unique. Several days later as wrapping paper flew; a common theme emerged in my residence. With a baby girl celebrating her first birthday and Christmas, the play area was awash
3D Characters by Deborah Bernal Read More »
I stole someone’s grocery cart this week; didn’t notice until I got to the checkout line and my reusable grocery bags weren’t there. A pleasant and efficient clerk found my bags in an empty, unattended cart. I thanked him, paid for my groceries, and left. Once home, I discovered I had bought someone else’s breakfast
Character development through humiliation by Lani Longshore Read More »
I am not a tortured artist. My life has been mostly free from drama, and I was raised to keep it that way. But I write science fiction; in my stories, when a stranger comes to town, it’s usually a very strange stranger. For me to create characters that are believable outsiders, I have to
Becoming the other by Lani Longshore Read More »
