Category Writing and Publishing

Old Paperbacks I Have

I love old paperbacks. The older they are, the better. For example, this version of Howard’s End by EM Forster was originally published in 1921 by Knopf. I picked it up last weekend at a thrift store for $.30. I…

Twilight Was Hilarious

I watched the Twilight movie out of curiosity. At first I thought it was boring, and then I realized it was hilarious. I was laughing my head off throughout the entire thing. After all, it is little more than an…

But I’m Not Patient…

“Of course any novelist has difficulties. I don’t have ‘blocks,’ I mean I don’t get into a state where absolutely nothing can be done for weeks; I can always do something, though the something that I do may have to…

Cow as Muse?

There’s this blog about the Daily Routines of writers and artists. Most of it is pretty boring. I will simplify what most writers–including me–do for you: They get up early in the morning, have coffee, and write until between noon…

Sylvia Plath Interview

This is SO AWESOME! It is a two part interview with Sylvia Plath. I have wanted to hear this for years and some wonderful person finally put it up on YouTube. No matter how grumpy I get about new technology…

Writing/Reading Thoughts

A few things I am thinking about lately: In the early 1900s, L. Frank Baum was releasing one Oz book every year. (So was Beatrix Potter.) I wonder if that was a bit like the Harry Potter books today? Did…

Literary Spam

I got Jane Austen-ish spam in my e-mail box this morning: Lady Amanda Williams. 52 Oxford Street, England. Here writes Lady Amanda Williams, suffering from cancerous ailment. I was married to Sir Richard Williamsan Englishman who is dead. My husband…

All Smiles by Joy Lanzendorfer

This week I’m reading through my novel before starting a new draft. I’ve already filled a notebook with notes of things to change and I haven’t even gotten to the end yet. I’m still amazed by my tendency to repeat…

Give Those Writers More Money, Already

Given the quality of most TV shows these days, I’m not sure Hollywood writers deserve more money. Ha ha. Just kidding. Here’s an interesting little video from the excellent writers of The Office about the writer’s strike. Hey I’m sympathetic.…

Eyes Do Not Flash

ETA: I wrote this after judging a contest where I read 30+ self-published books. Think about it. When have you seen eyes flash? I mean, with emotion, not because they are reflecting light. Can’t think of it happening, can you?…