Writers

Artist’s Date: A Quest for Short Stories

On a recent outing to The Strand bookstore in Manhattan, I purchased four collections of short stories. Writing short stories has its own distinct challenges that differ from writing novels, and a shorter word count does not make it easier. The pacing of a short story is a particularly tricky skill. Many short stories take place in only a few moments of time, such as “A & P” by John Updike, or “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. The timing of the present moment in each of these stories is a matter of minutes. Other stories may take days, such as “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, or “The Yellow Wallpaper,” by Charlotte Perkins Gillman. In both styles, the author must get to the action immediately and pull the thread of suspense to the very end. I enjoy reading and teaching short stories, and now I’m trying to write them. I can’t say I’m enjoying it just yet, but I’m hoping that with the inspiration of a few new collections, I’ll be composing merrily away shortly.

An Artist’s Date: The Strand Bookstore in NYC

One tip from creativity guru Julia Cameron in her book, The Artist’s Way, is to take oneself on artist’s dates. One day recently, I needed a change of scenery while my family would be golfing for several hours. (Anyone else married to a golfer?) I boarded an NYC bound bus and within thirty minutes, I was walking downtown toward Strand Books on Broadway and 12th. Even though I was in the store for about an hour, I saw only a small part of it. I found a few short story collections, middle grade fiction, and adult fiction. I was fortunate enough to be there the same day that Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (wife of former prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau) was signing her new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other (third picture above). I admit, I was a little starstruck to meet her, and by her side was the woman who owns the Strand. Two women superstars! A true New York moment. I want to go back to the Strand and peruse some other aisles and who knows who I will see there next?

Writing Resource: How To Write Short Stories and Get Them Published by Ashley Lister

I thought that after writing, three novels writing a short story would be simple. I would easily crank out a short story each month to submit for publication or a contest. Little did I know that while the literary components of a short story are similar to those in a novel, writing them is a different skill set. The pacing is different. The characters are different. What happens behind the scenes is different. So much has to be accomplished very quickly, like running the 100 meter dash versus running a marathon. You’ve got to jump at the gun and get those characters moving. The situation must be complex, intriguing, and resolvable in a quick amount of time, and don’t forget the ironic twist! That being said, I have found Ashley Lister’s How To Write Short Stories and Get Them Published to be a valuable resource for creativity, style, technique, and practice. Just like prepping for a sprint, short stories require practice, drills, and persistence. The race doesn’t always go to the swift, but to those who keep writing.

Writing Announcement: Two poems published!

I am proud and humbled to have two poems published in the 2024 Caldwell University literary magazine, Calyx. While my primary focus is fiction, life events inspire me to wax poetic once in a while. One poem, “A Little Bit of Everything” is a memory of my grandmother and all the little things about her that I loved. The other poem, “The Beautiful View, One Last Time,” is in memory of my father-in-law who loved San Francisco and that beautiful view of the bay. Sometimes poems can do what sentences cannot, and that is what these poems do for me. I hope you enjoy them, and try writing your own!

Writing Inspiration: Julia Cameron’s Living the Artist’s Way

As a writer attempting to secure a contract with an agent or publisher, I often need reassurance, advice, and hope from experts in the field. Julia Cameron is one of these experts. Her book, The Artist’s Way, has been a source of inspiration since I first read it several years ago. I’ve recently read Living the Artist’s Way, which discusses using writing for guidance. Julia suggests, in addition to writing daily morning pages, writing any time I have a question that I need guidance on. It can be worldly or personal, practical or philosophical. In Living the Artist’s Way, she tells her audience, “Guidance comes to us through our own hand” (9). This is an empowering message. We do not have to wait for a sign from the universe; we can sit at our desks, ask the universe a question, and write what comes to mind. Who knew writing could be so powerful?

Writing Inspiration: NY Botanic Garden Holiday Train Show

Bestselling author Julia Cameron (The Artist’s Way) recommends finding inspiration by treating yourself to artists’ dates. Recently, I visited the New York Botanical Garden and toured the holiday train show in the conservatory. Miniature recreations of various New York landmarks made of twigs, stones, and other materials were nestled in the flower beds among orchids, moss, and ferns. Many were lit from within, and all were spectacular. This artist date was enchanting. Do woodland fairies shop in a woodland Macys? I think they do.

On My Bookshelf: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

I’ve just finished reading Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. Although it’s been on my bookshelf for awhile, I had not read it, and so while completing final edits for my own trilogy, I chose this volume for something different from my story, and something that I hoped would be engrossing. I was not disappointed. I could not put the book down, and reading it was my reward for a session of revisions. Once I completed my revisions, I read between wrapping, baking, and decking the halls. As a writer I followed Follett’s masterful use of multiple points of view, and his weaving of the building of a cathedral into the story itself. While there were numerous characters, I never lost track of who was who, and what his or her motives were. At 973 pages, finishing this novel was a commitment and Follett never let me down. Happy Reading, and Happy New Year!

What I’m Reading: Truth & Beauty [a friendship] by Ann Patchett

I’ve just finished reading Ann Patchett’s memoir, Truth & Beauty [a friendship]. Patchett shares the evolution of her friendship with author Lucy Grealy. Meeting in college with aspirations of publication, both women had much in common, but it’s their differences that tell the story. When a child, Grealy had cancer and extensive chemo and radiation therapy afterward which left her missing half her jaw and most of her teeth. Yet she persevered, and, with Patchett by her side, or on the phone, became a published author. From a writer’s perspective the lessons are, first, keep writing despite not getting the results you want right away. Patchett’s 4th novel brought her more success than her first three. Second, no matter what obstacles – health issues, bad relationships, financial woes – come your way, keep writing if it’s what you really want to do. It’s an inspiring read for writers and readers.

Writing Inspiration: A Gift from the Past

I received a gift of two antique fountain pens and two lead pencils from my aunt who had them from my grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. There was a note in the box that said they were the first gift my grandfather gave to my grandmother. They were married in 1937, so the pens and pencils are a little over 80 years old. I am so touched by the sweetness of this gift and that my grandmother kept them – though I admit I’m not surprised because she saved everything. I have several ornaments and objects in my house that are from my grandparents’ home, and I keep them not because of their monetary value but because of their sentimental value. I love knowing that such objects were so precious to my grandmother that she kept and labeled them so there would be no doubt as to why my aunt found them packed away in a box in her attic.

Instagram