Category Archives: craft

In the summer, the days were long, stretching into each other. Out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible. [Sarah Dessen, Along for the Ride] Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite young adult writers. She writes quiet stories that areContinue reading “open invitation no. 91: invite readers to linger”

Using words to describe magic is like using a screwdriver to cut roast beef. [Tom Robbins] Comparisons are good for writers. They help readers connect to the story or think about ideas in new ways. They are great for painting word pictures. The best comparisons are unexpected. This invitation invites you to seek out aContinue reading “open invitation no. 85: fresh comparisons”

Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring? [Neltje Blanchan] Give it a try. Use words to describe the scent of spring. *Remember, you don’t have to accept this invitation…but I do hope you will accept the invitation to write. Sharing our stories is magical. PS—There is a Facebook Group for theContinue reading “open invitation no. 81: scent of spring”

I’m always looking for instances of people doing things for and with each other for pleasure, for passion, for camaraderie, from kindness. It’s the anthropology of people figuring out how to punctuate life with the lyrical. [Debra Granik] I like to make words dance. I’m drawn to the lyrical nature of writing, the fun ofContinue reading “open invitation no. 80: be lyrical”

The quieter you become the more you are able to hear. [Rumi] The invitation is to write so we can hear the quiet. This is an invitation to consider the way you will craft your words. Here are four ideas to allow quiet to take the stage. 1 White Space Use white space to slowContinue reading “open invitation no. 75: quiet”

Adding scent to your writing makes the reading experience more powerful for the reader. Recently my friend gave me a diffuser. I added it to my studio and have been dropping lavender essential oil in the well. Each time I work as a writer I turn it on. Months later, the scent of lavender isContinue reading “open invitation no. 58: Scents”

Give a pause. Pauses in writing, just as in life, are a beautiful thing. How might you add a pause to your writing? Here are some of my favorite ways. Use ellipsis…or sometimes informally called dot-dot-dot. This word stems from the Greek word, élleipsis, meaning to leave out. First graders often use this convention toContinue reading “open invitation no. 50: pause”

Listen for gratitude. Sound is a huge influence on people’s attention.—Walter Murch Lately (like for my entire life), I have been opening my eyes to discover gratitude. A well-lived life hinges on a grateful outlook. Lately (like in the last few months), I have been having a harder time hearing. I’ve chalked it up toContinue reading “open invitation no. 31: listen”