Monthly Archives: August 2024

“Inch by inch, it’s a cinch …” In her wonderful writing guide, Bird by Bird,” Anne Lamont tells this story about her book’s title: “Thirty years ago my older brother, who was 10 years old at the time, was trying to get … Continue reading →

“Try to be one of the people on whom nothing is lost.”Henry James, from his essay “The Art of Fiction.” Habit blinds us all: We fall into familiar byways without even noticing that it happens and begin to look at … Continue reading →

“The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.” Arnold Toynbee Right now, I’m sitting in a cute cafe where it’s cool, having a latte and apple turnover and pondering our friend Arnold’s words. Right now, I’m … Continue reading →

Regular writing on a novel is absolutely essential. The plot and characters may be well established in your mind. But it is a constant battle to ensure that they are not swamped with other, personal preoccupations.” Joan Aiken, The Way … Continue reading →

from The Navajo Song of the Earth And the night of darknessAnd the dawn of light,Meeting, joining one another,Helpmates ever, they.All is beautiful,All is beautiful,All is beautiful, indeed.translated by Natalie Curtis Burlin

“A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work, and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson “Whatsoever thy hand findeth … Continue reading →

Productive spells of writing – who doesn’t crave them? Based on interviews with two dozen accomplished academics who’ve developed personal “systems” to help them write, in “Six academic writing habits that will boost productivity,” Chris Smith shared useful tips: * … Continue reading →