originally published March 7, 2016 in Women Writers, Women's Books Writers should not be censored. I think everyone can agree on that. The whole idea of censorship conjures an image of stern political enforcers, combing through every line of poetry and prose with an eye to...
originally published in Manhattan Book Review, December 7, 2015 Let me begin by saying that you will learn a lot in any good creative writing program. The most important of which will be what questions to ask as you craft your narrative. Every facet of writing...
originally published on October 19, 2015 in Women Writers, Women's Books Once upon a time my writing life centered on writing, getting a short story published, writing another story, and so on. It went this way for decades. People asked me from time to time why...
originally published in the Fall 2015 issue of Crossborder, the literary journal of Leapfrog Press. LETTERS OF LOVE AND HATE She envied the female diarists, scribbling at elegantly carved desks in great houses. Feather pens, dripping ink, and the thin glow of candlelight. By day they oversaw...
This article originally appeared on August 25, 2015 in Women Writers, Women's Books. Some say self-publishing is the greatest invention since sliced bread. Others say it’s ruining the industry. A lot of people have weighed in on this hugely popular phenomenon. Now, it’s my turn. I’ll...
This story first appeared in Clark College's 2003 Fiction and Poetry chapbook as their first place fiction winner, chosen by judge Gina Ochner Fance thought she could get it done over in Odessa. A girl from the coffee shop went there for hers, and was back...
originally published August 3, 2015 in Prose We’ve all had it, that moment when nothing comes to mind. Our words stare back at us, asking to be fleshed out, continued, fulfilled, and we can do nothing to help them. Our protagonist has gotten herself stuck firmly...
WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ON AND ABANDON YOUR NOVEL originally published July 9, 2015 in Prose Leonardo Da Vinci said,“Art is never finished, only abandoned.” This is true for every short story I ever wrote, whether it was published, or not. The published pieces, upon subsequent...
Originally appeared in Women Writers, Women's Book, July 2nd, 2015 Writers hear it all the time – connect with your reader. Give the reader what he wants. Manager her expectations. Don’t confuse them. Surprise them. Keep them interested. These are all worthy goals, but they’re after the...
Today I'm pleased to host Anesa Miller as she shares her thoughtful essay, "Career or Calling? Thoughts on the Writing Life." Anesa's debut novel, Our Orbit is now available from BookTrope. Buy links appear at the bottom of this page. Nine-year-old Miriam Winslow never wore new...