Two Thanksgiving Day Gentlemen
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m taking a break from my mini-series on how I write a novel, to wish you a wonderful holiday–if you’re in the U.S.–and if you’re not, to wish you a wonderful autumn day filled with good food and good friends. I thought for fun I’d let O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) write my…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Be Kind
“Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible.” – Dalai Lama Do you think that being kind to others is something special, something that we save up for? I get caught in that trap sometimes, forgetting that kindness is possible every minute of every day if we simply remember and pay attention–as well as swallow our first,…
Read MorePlotting: Scenes and Revelations
Welcome to round three of “How Emilie Plots Her Novels.” Note that I didn’t simplify that first sentence and call this series “How To Plot A Novel?” Remember, we’re exploring my way. If someone tells you their way is the right way? I’d take that with a block of salt. Some writers have no idea…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Thriving With Passion
“The best part of life is not just surviving, but thriving with passion and compassion and humor and style and generosity and kindness.” -Maya Angelou Maya Angelou has a way of going right to the heart of things, doesn’t she? This is one of our biggest challenges, isn’t it? To live fully and joyfully instead…
Read MorePlotting Continues: No, You’re Not Halfway There
Last week we began a story, or rather I began it with a snatch of conversation overheard at breakfast. Have you been listening for interesting bits of conversation ever since? Have you begun noticing anything that’s odd in your everyday interactions? Has a little voice whispered in your ear, “that would make a good novel?”…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Living Together
“Civility is the sum of the many sacrifices we are called to make for the sake of living together.” Stephen L. Carter Did you know this coming Tuesday is election day? OK, it’s a tiny election day when almost no one is running for anything, but let’s think of it as good practice for the…
Read MorePlotting a Novel: And Your Book Started Where?
Plotting a novel? I’m about to reveal a novelist’s biggest secret. Come closer. . . promise you won’t tell? Everybody does it differently. That’s right. As much fun as it would be to tell you my way is the only way, I’d be taking my life in my hands at my next writer’s conference. Truth…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Fear limits you
“I’ve learned that fear limits you and your vision. It serves as blinders to what may be just a few steps down the road for you. The journey is valuable, but believing in your talents, your abilities, and your self-worth can empower you to walk down an even brighter path. Transforming fear into freedom –…
Read MoreThat Indrawn Breath Between Novels
Last week I talked about taking time off this summer, probably the most I’ve taken off in all my years as a writer. I expected to accomplish a lot, and found that one of the main things I did accomplish was to get some rest. I managed to waste a lot of time feeling guilty…
Read MoreSunday Inspiration: Kindness Rocks
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” -Princess Diana When we send our children off to school in the morning, we expect them to receive an education. But aren’t we thankful when they also receive lessons…
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