Sci-Fi Circuit: Solving the Problem of Exposition in Sci-Fi
The spiral path of learning
When we're learning something new, we like to think that our progress will happen in a straight line. But progress is rarely linear, is it? Sometimes we feel discouraged about our progress and try...
Getting back on the writing wagon
Between being pregnant and having the flu shortly after my Design Your Writing Life class series and the holiday whirlwind, I found myself flat out not writing for much of January. As someone who...
Sci-Fi Circuit: Adam Pachter on Landing a Deal With Amazon
Sci-Fi Circuit: Writing Low Budget Science Fiction
How to claim–or reclaim–your identity as a writer
If you're struggling to claim your creative identity as a writer -- or to reclaim it -- there are a few things to keep in mind. Write regularly. Consistent daily writing will help you find your way...
How to tell if you are a writer, or not
I've seen a number of debates and blog posts and flow charts on the internet over the last few months about how to tell if you are a "real" writer or not. This is something people struggle a lot...
Sci-Fi Circuit: Getting a Grip on the Sci-Fi Market
When performance anxiety rears its ugly head
I've had three experiences lately that have triggered performance anxiety for me. Two assignments, where I've delivered a project to someone else, and one where I'm sharing my work with other people...
The struggle with creative identity
Last week I met with a group of 13 moms to talk about "Designing Your Writing Life as a Mom". I was struck by the disconnect many of the mothers were experiencing around their creative identity,...
Design your writing life as a mom (or dad!)
If you're a parent, having a regular writing routine takes on an additional layer of complexity -- especially in the early years. It's hard enough to handle being a parent (and even more so if...
Get your ‘But’ in the seat and write
One of my all time favorite quotes about writing comes from Steven Pressfield, author of what has become my bible for writing, The War of Art*. In it, he says: "There's a secret that real writers...