Two years ago I started flirting with my current work-in-progress. I would fantasize about it whenever I got stuck in my then-current work-in-progress. I would dream about how easy it would be to write, how naturally good. Of course, I knew then as I know now that when it comes to writing, the easiest, best project … Continue reading Draft One is Done: What I Learned This Time Around
Thanks, Writing Day Workshop, Kansas City! #KCWW
Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend a Writing Day Workshop hosted in Kansas City. Here's my top-ten gratitude thought list (that's a thing, right? You think something and you're like, "Hey, I'm glad I just thought that."). Hooray for a one-day workshop in the Midwest! These are hard to come by, folks! Just having the opportunity … Continue reading Thanks, Writing Day Workshop, Kansas City! #KCWW
To the Books I’ve Loved in 2016
What follows are my love letters to books I read in that were published in the last two years. Stay current, my friends. Dear Roller Girl, I spent every Friday night as a teen watching roller derby and eating egg rolls at my friend's house. It's about time I saw it on the page! I've … Continue reading To the Books I’ve Loved in 2016
Here Comes 2017!
Two Januaries (sp?) ago I posted my writerly resolutions. After a year in baby land, I finally have a toddler. Hooray! I finally have a writing routine again. Hooray! I've been gaining steam on a project I love, and I just met DIY MFA (love!). With that site's advice in mind, I bring you my resolution for … Continue reading Here Comes 2017!
For Us Dreamers That Read ‘Between the World and Me’
Toni Morrison is right of course. Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me, which won the National Book Award last year, is required reading. A lyrical letter from Coates to his teenage son after Eric Garner's murderer was not indicted, the text invites thought and response. I'll be focusing on his message for the Dreamers--especially the people who think … Continue reading For Us Dreamers That Read ‘Between the World and Me’
Book Riot Read Harder Challenge in the Classroom
It's time to reflect on my Book Riot Read Harder Challenge 2015 victory before I begin the process again with the 2016 challenge. I hope you'll consider joining me! At the bottom, I discuss how I'll transfer this challenge to my English 9 classroom in the new year. Easy War Dances by Sherman Alexie (short … Continue reading Book Riot Read Harder Challenge in the Classroom