Lani Longshore

I have a writing fantasy where I spin out a best-selling novel on the Oregon coast. The hotel of my dreams exists, with huge windows facing the ocean. Someday I’ll rent a room there and let the water inspire me as it dances under a winter storm. For now, I’ll find a dramatic oceanscape for […]

April seems a good time to ask about your writing resolutions. Are you keeping up with your journal? Have you entered a contest? Queried an agent? Artists across America are preparing for the fairs and festivals that seem to occupy every weekend from now until Halloween. Why not join them, and call this Contest/Query season?

If you find inspiration in celebrations, this month we have St. David’s Day (3/2), Pi Day (3/14), the Ides of March (3/15), St. Patrick’s Day (3/17), the vernal equinox (3/20), Palm Sunday (3/28), and Passover (3/29). There’s also Canberra Day (3/8), an Australian holiday commemorating the founding of the federal capital. I’m not sure how

If wisdom is knowing what to do next, then we become wise by being foolish, and experimenting until we see what works. In our writing, that might mean letting our characters, or even story arcs, wander about a little, until the true path is revealed; keeping patience until the wise agent who recognizes our value

Every year I clear my closet of clothes I haven’t worn for awhile. Occasionally a treasure surfaces, but usually I find items that really need to go. Perhaps we should try the same thing with our writing – go through old notes, ancient outlines and scraps of ideas. If there’s a hidden treasure lurking in

The holiday rush can spell the end of hard-won routines. Family and friends might take it personally if you disappear with your notebook (paper or electronic) growling, “I need to write!” So this year, instead of being the resident Scrooge, use your time to observe. Drink in the smells, the sounds, the sights, and draw

The November novel challenge is underway – do you have your first 1000 words down yet? If novels aren’t your genre, how about challenging yourself to write the first draft of your memoirs, or the cookbook you’ve always wanted to write? Take advantage of the creative energy all around you this month, and then share

Scotland is celebrating the 250th birthday of Robert Burns by inviting everyone of Scottish descent to visit the homeland. That gave me a thought – let’s celebrate the California Writers Club centennial by visiting bookstores. California Writers’ Week is the third week in October – what better time to discover our wonderful local authors? There’s