Monthly Archives: February 2011

Different Strokes

Posted on February 16, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

Joyce Carol Oates has been in the news recently, because she’s just written a new book called A Widow’s Story. It’s the latest in a long line of literary works. Her output is enormous: 56 novels, 34 short-story collections, 8 … Continue reading →

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Loving Gifts

Posted on February 15, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

“We all have more courage, more worth, and more strength than we realize.” Loung Ung, Daring to be Ourselves “Awaken the victor in yourself, arouse the sleeping hero in yourself, and lo! no sorrow will ever again overwhelm you.” Paramahansa … Continue reading →

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Lit Tips

Posted on February 14, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

I was scrolling through a file with notes on writing I’ve gathered when I came across some inspired and practical advice from Sarah Davies, the founder of Greenhouse Literary Agency. While this agency focuses on books for childen and YA … Continue reading →

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Word Power

Posted on February 12, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

“No army can withstand the strength of an idea whose time has come.” Victor Hugo Watching coverage on CNN about the amazing events in Egypt, it is impossible not to ponder the enormous power that the Internet has played in … Continue reading →

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Reader Contract

Posted on February 11, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

At a workshop a few years ago, I heard Jacqueline Sheehan, an accomplished novelist, talk about some of the approaches she used to keep herself motivated — not easy when writing a major piece of fiction! I liked one of … Continue reading →

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Hard Work

Posted on February 10, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

“No tears and the writer, no tears and the reader.” Robert Frost “What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.” Samuel Johnson What an exciting evening! I was lucky enough to hop on a train with my … Continue reading →

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Making Mistakes

Posted on February 9, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

Ever tried. Ever Failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. Samuel Beckett Just love that quote, don’t you? It gives us absolute, unconditional permission to fail and fail again on our way to wherever we’re going. What could … Continue reading →

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Inspiring Moments

Posted on February 8, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed. Vida Dutton Scudder I remember reading that William Faulkner was inspired to write one of his novels by the image of a little girl up in a tree. By now, … Continue reading →

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First Chapters

Posted on February 7, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

Let’s face it: first chapters are terrifically important — and tough to write well. Your first chapter can’t be a couch potato — it has to sing for its supper! A fantastic first sentence grabs readers and pulls them in … Continue reading →

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Unique Voices

Posted on February 5, 2011 by karinwritesdangerously

Every so often, a book review really catches my imagination. Sometimes a review grabs me because it showcases a book on ideas, like How to Live — an engaging romp through the mind of Montaigne (see Montaigne Moonlights). And sometimes … Continue reading →

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