I just came across a rejection letter from the Museum of Art, politely declining the donation of a painting by an artist. The letter is dated October 18, 1956, …
[Read more...] about If You AREN'T Being Rejected, Perhaps You Aren't Creative Enough
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AWWP Writing Prompt: I Am…
I've just given my second writing prompt to the workshop I'm heading up at the Afghan Women's Writing Project this month. I tried to do something very simple …
Two Days Left to Win Four Terrific Novels
I'm reposting this because I just finished Elizabeth Brundage's A Stranger Like You and, really, you want to win this book! These are all such intelligent, …
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A Friday the 13th Writing Tip – on Writing and Luck
"Writing is like getting married. One should never commit oneself until one is amazed at one's luck." — Iris Murdoch And a quick reminder that Friday the 13th …
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AWWP Writing Prompt: Creating Character
This month, I have the privilege of teaching in the Afghan Women's Writing Project, a non-profit started by Masha Hamilton, a dear friend (and wonderful …
[Read more...] about AWWP Writing Prompt: Creating Character
The All-True Story of How a Novel Gets Published #12: The Importance of Kind Words … and Book Giveaway Thanks for Same!
Yes, you're in the right place for the 1st Books Book Giveaway! Read on! [But Please Note: The Contest is Now Closed and the winner have been drawn and …
Submissions Tips
I've been updating the WRITERS PAGE on my website, and came across a few new links I think would be particularly helpful to anyone submitting novels or short …
The All-True Story of How a Novel Gets Published, Part 11: We Need Permission! And a Latin Expert!
In Part 6 of this "All-True" series, I blogged about Beth Pearson and her amazing team who, among other things, flagged every place in The Four Ms. Bradwells …
Diane Lockward: on poetry
I had such fun hosting poets here on 1st Books for National Poetry Month that I've decided to continue the occasional Poetry Tuesday throughout the year. …
Kafka on Books as Axes
"A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us." — Franz Kafka This is so true for both readers and writers. How is it I've never heard it before today? …
