::deep breaths:: Ok, this is my first draft. I like the character and the imagery, but the problem is... As far as I know, this isn't a short story yet. More like an excerpt. I tried to end it in such a way there was a resolution, but I think I spent too much timeContinue reading "Writer in Motion Week One: The First Draft (unedited)"

I was so excited to be selected for one of the #WIM editor slots this season. If you aren't familiar with Writer in Motion, check it out here https://writerinmotion.com/2020/08/01/writer-in-motion-kickoff-the-prompt/ (I would go into more detail, but I'm posting this from my phone in the passenger seat of a car on a road trip sooo) IContinue reading "Writer In Motion, Week 0"

Do y'all ever have imagery or lines that send a chill down your spine? Or those stand-up-and-cheer moments from stories that make your heart soar? I have some. And I feel like all my writing is just me, trying to replicate those feelings. Here are some of mine. Battlestar Galactica, intro/scene - when Laura RoslinContinue reading "Moments I love from (mostly) SFF media"

Note: a more comprehensive version of this article was posted on my personal, non-author blog. This also doesn't discuss the pain of reading during a honest-to-god pandemic, so... Why read? Whatever you think of certain leaders or politicians, many of the most successful ones read a ton. I used to work for General McChrystal andContinue reading "How I read 100+ books a year…and why"

I always feel weird thinking about my favorite this or that, because favorite doesn't always mean favorite. I mean, Love Actually is one of my favorite movies but really, when I watch it, I snark on it a ton and reread Lindy West's seminal post on it as tribute. It's a Christmas tradition. Or, forContinue reading "A few of my favorite things (books, just books)"

“Write what you know.” No four words have elicited more anxiety from aspiring creatives. I love to write.  When I was 16 I was trying to choose between Dartmouth and Georgetown.  I wanted to double major in creative writing and in government and I was torn between a really awesome international relations major at GeorgetownContinue reading "On Writing"