In my writing critiques I often advise authors to use more strong, active verbs and fewer weak, passive verbs. Yet, when it comes to verbs, strong doesn’t actually mean active and weak doesn’t actually mean passive, even though that’s what they are often labeled today. Starken und Schwachen Verben When I was an undergrad I…
Libraries and writers are inexorably entwined. Most writers grew up using libraries and have a great appreciation for the way they provide access to books. And writers directly benefit from libraries as they provide an important way for authors to be discovered by readers. Which means that in this world where everything is terrifyingly uncertain,…
I started thinking about my childhood recently, in a more focused and intentional way than I have previously. I wondered if my memories have impacted me, especially as a writer, or if they’re just a collection of miscellaneous impressions? Have they shaped what I’ve become and what I’ve produced? After an extensive study of about…
Are you new to writing fiction? Just starting to query agents and/or only now wrapping up your first novel? It’s never too early to start building your network. In fact, you can do a little something every day to get it going. And help it grow. Ten suggestions: Volunteer for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers or…
Are we sensing a theme? I’ve been reading lots of articles and blogs with these themes. Including ones directed to writers. And I’m here to say, emphatically, YES to all of the above. I’ve been writing for more than forty years. The SAME story, for more than twenty years! (OK, that might be consider stubborn…