My Back Yard

Here’s a link to a list of “Best Blogs for Writers.”

While you’re at it, check out other tips for writers on this blog by Michelle Vranizen Rafter.

“I’m not getting meaty responses to my interview questions. How can I ever write an article?” That’s what ran through my mind as I interviewed my two sources.

As a result, I resisted reviewing my notes and drafting the article.

I was surprised, when I actually started writing the article, that I had plenty of info. I managed to complete the first draft within two days of starting. Plus, my editor called the result, “a good article.”

I should remember this the next time I struggle to start an article.

"How not to write poetry" on the Poe’frika blog got me thinking about how I’ve been waiting for inspiration to strike. Not just in poetry, but also in blogging. Maybe it’s time for me to get off my duff and write more. Even if it’s bad.

There’s a new blog with writing prompts: http://writersisland.wordpress.com/.

You’re invited to prompt a link to whatever you write in response to the prompt. 

I’m not feeling very inspired about my creative writing.

Haven’t written a new essay or poem in ages. Feel out of touch with my writers group where most members are working on books or are at least actively creating.

Thought I might get a new burst of creativity while in South Africa. Didn’t happen.

What next? 

MOTHERWORDS is "an irreverent, realistic look at motherhood." Articles
range from birth stories, adoption, fun things to do with kids, and
lifestyle changes. Sarah Teres is editor of this monthly magazine, which
will debut on June 25 and be available "north of Boston." Writers do not
have to be from the New England area; submissions and queries are being
accepted…

Anxiety is good for writers, says copywriter Angela Booth in her recent blog post. Why? Because it means that you’re drawing on the right side of your brain. That’s the creative side.

Hmm. This implies I am a very creative writer. 

If you’re interested in getting your book published, you may enjoy reading "How Publishers Decide to Publish a Book (or Not)." It’ll give you an overview of the process.

In The Situation and the Story, Vivian Gornick says that a good essay requires "self-implication." In other words, "To see one’s part in the situation — that is, one’s frightened or cowardly or self-deceived part — is to create the dynamic," pp. 35-36. It seems to mean revealing one’s weaknesses in the essay.

Gornick demonstrates this concretely in her analysis of three essays. I can see her point, but I don’t want to follow her advice. I guess that’s a sign that I haven’t come to terms with my weaknesses. It could be cathartic to talk about them, but I’m not ready to go there.

This is a big issue with my "Don’t Play with Matches" essay. I wish I could push out unagonized essays like The Dowager and PTCakes.

Language is a Virus offers tools for breaking your writer’s block.

I read about it on Lifehacker.com