I chickened out on NaNoWriMo again, but I’m still getting something out of it. For the last three years I’ve thought about using NaNoWriMo to help break one writing block or another, but haven’t quite done it. This year, however, I determined to take advantage of some of those tips for NaNo participants. I’m on […]
On the Road to Done, by Lani Longshore Read More »
One of my quilting groups did an alphabet challenge. We drew a letter, and made a quilt related to a word beginning with that letter. I wondered if I could use the same challenge in my writing and decided to start an alphabet hop. The word “accountable” leaped off the page of my dictionary. How
Alphabet Hop, by Lani Longshore Read More »
Lani Longshore’s “The Family Tree” has been published in Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women, Mystery, and Horror, edited by Fern Brady and Patricia Flaherty Pagan (Spider Road Press). Lani’s story takes place in a small town in Minnesota where Sylvia Lund seeks refuge with her great aunt. She learns about her heritage, ancient Viking customs,
Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women, Mystery, and Horror Read More »
May began with a vigorous celebration of writing. Towne Center Books held a Book Fight on May 3 – contestants were given five minutes to write a story based on three words chosen at random. TVW members Arleen Eagling, Alice Kight and Lani Longshore competed along with other writers from the community. After three rounds
Flexing Those Writing Muscles – by Lani Longshore Read More »
The dog and I went to the park this morning. She sniffed each square inch of ground as if she were reading War and Peace. I tugged on her leash, hoping to move her to a sunnier spot, but she was adamant. This particular patch of grass must be explored, and she was the dog to do
Reflections on Walking the Dog – by Lani Longshore Read More »
I was a history major in college. Most of my roommates were, too, and we threw dinner parties to commemorate important dates. The Chicago Fire, the invasion of Poland, Pearl Harbor Day, Armistice Day – anything that came close enough to a free weekend so we had time to cook. Dates and food are still
Writing Down the Dates, 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 »
Nathan Bransford wrote a great blog about retaining your humanity when reviewing a book you didn’t particularly like “The Bullies of Goodreads” . It got me thinking about what a writer who posts gratuitously negative reviews wants. To be seen as the strongest writer in the room? Knocking down every other writer won’t make readers flock to
Reviews as a Window to the Writer’s Soul by Lani Longshore Read More »
Life is getting in the way of my writing. My roles of wife and mother got a little busier, and while the situation is temporary I find myself with more excuses not to sit down at the computer and drag words from my brain to the page. If it weren’t for my critique groups, I
One More Reason to Join a Critique Group by Lani Longshore Read More »
