Just Friends.

By Kristin Owens

Although Facebook was founded in February 2004, I requested my account less than a year ago. Apparently, Hell froze and pigs took to the sky, since I publicly exclaimed on more than one occasion this would never occur as long as I drew unassisted breath. 

So, why did I wait twelve years? I thought I had enough friends. I was wrong.

Please Don't. Really. I Don't Want to See Photos of Your Dog.

Waiting for a Train that Won't Come

By J.C. Lynne

Maybe it's because it's summer. Maybe it's the unseasonal heat. It could be the general state of the world. The clear trend in recent posts has been finding the inspiration and motivation to write. And, ho hum, I'm no different. 

Even My Little Creek Can't Entice Me.

Double Vision

by Laura Mahal

I'll admit the writing has been difficult these days. It's summer. Hot one, isn't it? Hard to find the time. Why isn't year round school an option for those of us with children? Why?

And there are days that the research really brings me down. People, and by people, I mean kids, die every day for having what my main character has: heart, soul, and confusion as to their gender identity. 

Teen suicide is tragic, and I absolutely must take a stand.

Summertime and the Writing is Easy

    

by Ronda Simmons

Maybe for you, but for me, the summer has historically been a frustrating, non-productive time with regards to writing. Distractions abound. The kids are home from school, the hiking trails beckon and I find myself saying, too often, "I'll get back on track tomorrow."

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love You, Tomorrow . . .

The Other Advice for Writers

By David E. Sharp

My earliest "writings" were theatrical productions I would perform for my parents with stuffed animals portraying all the roles. Well, almost all the roles. I did enlist my brother for any parts that required a more dynamic performance than a stuffed monkey could offer, though the monkey was better at taking direction. Still, we got moderately good reviews and presented many repeat performances.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are proud
to present, "The Teddy Bear's Lament."

No flash photography, please.

While my early productions were childish and insubstantial, I explored deeper themes in college that dared to ask the big questions like, "What would happen if all the ovens exploded in a fancy restaurant and they had to cook five-star cuisine over a campfire?" and "How would an audience respond to another audience staring at them?" and "How would Count Dracula fare in an Italian restaurant?"

Commentators responded with such discerning feedback as, "What on Earth is the matter with you?" and "Where do you come up with this tripe?" and "Untie me at once! I can't watch anymore!"

Writing Out Your Soul

By Shelley Widhalm

Writing is a confrontation with your soul. It digs to let the subconscious come forward, while the conscious part of the mind thought it simply was taking notes and plotting out the story. The subconscious has things to say you didn’t necessarily know about or were too busy to give any attention to … until you have no choice but to listen.

Even if your writing is all about the characters, plot and setting that doesn’t seem like you, there is a piece of you in the words that unravel into the form of story. 

Quality Queries. Sadly, There's No Magic Wand.

By Laura Mahal

I’m imagining what a query letter would look like if we could really stroll down to number ninety-three Diagon Alley and make a purchase from Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes. Of course, the days of snail-mail querying are mostly gone, and literary agencies tend to frown on owl deliveries.

Flashy neon paper that burns up if an agent fails to read the whole thing are so yesterday. If you did hire a magician to help you with your query letter, here are a few things you might expect.