Category Archives: Writer’s Life

March 2, 2016 · 6:00 am

Hostile Publishers?

Have you seen this article yet, Banned by the Publisher? Nick Cole, who has had the privilege of a commericially successful book, lost a contract for fear a single chapter could be understood as socially unacceptable, “guaranteed to lose fifty percent of [the] audience,” and “deeply offensive.” Because it could be read as pro-life. Is that the kind of moral sensitivity running the publishing world these days? Are hostile publishers driving established, professional writers into self-publishing?

http://www.nickcolebooks.com/2016/02/09/banned-by-the-publisher/

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March 1, 2016 · 6:00 am

Where to Submit

In a sense, the question “Where to submit” draws the line between the writing hobbyist and the dreamer. There’s a sense of finality to it, at least for me. It’s like asking, “Where will I lay my hopes?” and, of course, that’s truly a part of it. So, while I would not presume to answer such a personal question, for now let’s consider some of the related questions that get us one step closer to finding our place (or places) in the world of writing.

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February 29, 2016 · 6:00 am

When You Don’t Have Time

A fellow Lutheran blogger has graciously offered us a guest post on learning to write when you don’t have time, or at least not much! Thank you, Anna Mussmann, and you are welcome to write here any time!

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February 22, 2016 · 6:00 am

Getting into Hymn-Writing

Getting into hymn writing is obviously a personalized road, so I asked one of the most creative people I (cyber-) know, Kelly Klages, artist extraordinaire, about her own experience. Now, before we read her compelling narrative, I’d like to remind you that there are eight days left for the 2016 Reformation hymn contest. To further encourage you to write for it, this blog will focus more or less on hymn-writing for the next week before returning to our regularly scheduled, semi-random, writing-related variety. For your contemplation . . .  Continue reading →

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February 12, 2016 · 6:00 am

Time Commitment

It’s pretty rare to find someone who can make a big time commitment to anything, let alone writing. We may put pressure on ourselves, but juggling hectic schedules isn’t always a personal matter. We may want to write more than anything in the world, but that doesn’t mean we are actually able to find that hour or two. And, what if we don’t feel inspired when we actually have a bit of time on our hands?

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February 8, 2016 · 8:00 am

Valentines and Imaginary Audiences

It’s getting close to Valentine’s Day, but remember the Reformation hymn contest is still going on. You have most of the month of February to work on it! I’m trying, too, but with limited success. I’ll probably post a few ideas as I, at least temporarily, give up on them.

For now it seems, my mind is more geared toward imaginary audiences. Have you considered that? Writing what you know you’ll never send/submit/seriously stand behind? It doesn’t seem like a super practical exercise, but sometimes that’s just where I am.

So here is a Valentine poem I would never send with a few writing questions following:

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February 4, 2016 · 8:00 am

Community

What do you think about writing clubs? Have you ever tried one? In my neck of the woods, local clubs are frequently a part of a statewide organization which sponsors yearly contests and a conference. The clubs, then, can act as a place for immediate feedback and support, as well as a way to network and compete. You can hobnob with speakers and pitch proposals with some publishers.

I used to belong to a small town writers’ club, but sadly that fizzled away. To be honest, it wasn’t quite ideal even while it was meeting, and a mom with young children isn’t in a prime position to spend weekends away from home.

So, what about you? Where do you go for local support? Are there regional organizations or conferences you attend (or wish to)? Does a community for writers appeal to you? Continue reading →

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February 2, 2016 · 8:00 am

Credentials

Who among you has thought, “Who am I to do this project?” Let me tell you. Continue reading →

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February 1, 2016 · 8:00 am

Anonymous Part 3

Did you hear that people were paid to make up comments on Amazon? As though using corporate funds to mess deceitfully with another person’s marketing isn’t bad enough, there are people who form essentially anonymous accounts to leave critical and even nasty comments. It’s heartbreaking–not the criticism but the pains taken and inflicted because those letters could stand for anyone in a haunting and disturbing fashion.

Let’s not lose hope and let’s not leave writing. Let’s ponder this a little together. Continue reading →

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January 28, 2016 · 8:00 am

Never-ending Stories

Ladies and Gentlemen, there is more than one Neverending Story. Sadly, many of ours will never be so influential . . . at least in the 1980s.

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