I STARTED DAYDREAMING a couple of years ago about dialing down my advertising work and, eventually, writing fiction full-time. To have more success getting published I knew had to write with more rigor and intention. A writers group seemed a logical step. Kindred spirits. Constructive critique. Insights on craft. Positive peer pressure to stick with […]
The 185-Page Hipster Accessory
WHEN FRIENDS ASK TO READ the manuscript they’ve been hearing me talk about for so long, I find myself filling with white-hot shame. It’s wonderful they ask, but I’m certain they’re just being polite. “Are you sure?” I respond, implying they should seriously consider this for a few more weeks. But they always say yes. […]
A Colorful Sound In Chicago
SOMETIMES I DON’T WEAR MY GLASSES or my contacts because I’m sick of seeing all the beautiful people in my city. They make me feel green as I listen to their silky shirts lick their skin and the hollow, yet echoing sound from a woman’s shoes. Five days out of seven I am on this […]
Changing Hands
ON A RECENT TRIP back to Phoenix, I went to Changing Hands Bookstore. I’d made a point to stop by every time I came to the area, to see the place and take in what are, for me, positive associations. I frequented the store when I started my time in the English program at Arizona […]
Why Comedy Tweets Are Good For Writers
HADN’T REALIZED I’D TWEETED forty or so times about talking to my novel. Sure it’s a far cry from the 935 tweets that make up Small Places (Twitter novel I tweeted between 2008-2010. Read some on The Nervous Breakdown). Me: You like being a second draft? Novel: I don’t feel as crazy-eyed. Now what? Me: […]
Storytellers To Recount Experiences At Memoir Event
FOR THE SECOND TIME, Invisible Memoirs has selected a Bakersfield author’s story as its centerpiece, even naming the California-wide anthology after a local memoir. Why I am I excited about this? As the workshop instructor and initial editor of everyone’s submissions, I’m just so happy all of my students’ hard work paid off. Twelve local […]