The publication of Mark Twain’s autobiography reminded me of how quickly the world is changing. Twain wanted to write honestly, so willed that this book not be published until 100 years after his death. In a Twitter world, all I could think was, “Filters. What a quaint notion.” I blog, and subscribe to a couple […]
Mark Twain mind, Twitter world by Lani Longshore Read More »
When lighting a candle isn’t an option, should we curse the dark or learn to write with the lights off? I’m not the only writer who is struck with wonderful ideas at the most inconvenient times. The more disciplined among us actually stop what they’re doing and write notes. I am not so disciplined, especially
Writing in the dark by Lani Longshore Read More »
Ghosts and goblins disappeared at midnight October 31st while my fingers hovered over computer keys to click the first words of National Novel in a Month Writers contest. Futuristic writers extracted spooks from closets with paranormal or sci-fi tales and waited alongside suspense and romance writers. Millions of new characters were born. Authors will nurture
November 2010 President’s Message from Violet Carr Moore Read More »
Award-winning magazine writer, children’s book author and travel memoirist Brad Herzog contends that the secret to good writing begins before the first line is ever written. It all starts with a good idea — subject matter that generates enthusiasm among students, concepts that capture readers’ attention, stories and angles that are simply too clever for
Brad Herzog and What’s the Big Idea? 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 »
Alice Kight stepped into the winners circle for Too Early haiku contest Monday, October 4, 2010. Marilyn Slade and Violet Carr Moore were runners-up. Read Alice’s poetry in online and printed editions of Contra Costa Valley Times and Tri-Valley Herald. View Marilyn and Vi’s submissions in Bay Area News Group online at http://www.insidebayarea.com.
Alice Kight, Violet Carr Moore, Marilyn Slade published in Too Early haiku Read More »
I’m declaring this Critique Group Appreciation Week. My gratitude for the six women in my group, who have patiently commented on my novel for over a year, has exceeded the bounds of one or two thank-you emails. Only in the company of other dedicated writers, do I feel comfortable enough to display my “baby.” The
In praise of critique groups by Elaine Schmitz Read More »
While I cling to the last three weeks of summer, the writer in me yearns for autumn to brush the earth with a palette of hued oranges, reds and browns. Images of leaves on a sun-baked path skitter across my imagination and fade. A reddish splash is real, not imaginary as Tri-Valley Writers joins the
September 2010 President’s Message from Violet Carr Moore Read More »
August is back-to-school time; real time or online. I’ve enjoyed several semesters of writing classes from Las Positas College. This fall, no LPC for me. I’ll take time out to coordinate a dedicated volunteer team of Tri-Valley Writers board members and committee leaders. Together we’ll orchestrate monthly meetings, produce the newsletter, update the
August 2010 President’s Message from Violet Carr Moore Read More »
by Annette Langer During April-National Volunteers Month-the senior center holds its annual appreciation party. I’d begun volunteering alternate Fridays in the center’s gift shop in exchange for selling my books. I probably wouldn’t know many people at the party but decided to attend anyway-another book marketing opportunity! I arrived after the 6:30pm start, not wanting
Writing’s sweet reward by Annette Langer Read More »
