Often the most difficult part of writing is allowing myself to slow down and listen for the ideas. Although writing ideas can come from news items, conversations, and experiences, a story still requires some quiet contemplation to develop. At least for me it does. I’ve been trying a new technique recently that I call “sprintContinue reading “30 Minutes of Quiet”
Category Archives: writing
The Process
The book is finished. The publisher has accepted it. The contract is signed. What does a writer do next? Start another project, of course! Truthfully, I have already started another project, several months ago. I like to have writing work in different stages of development. While I was doing final editing and polishing of JewelsContinue reading “The Process”
Moving House and Pie
When you begin to get ready to move, your house is no longer yours. I have no sentimental attachment to the condominium where we have lived for almost ten years, but I do have my “stuff” arranged there the way I like it. Now things are being rearranged, thrown out, put in piles for theContinue reading “Moving House and Pie”
Writing in Spain
I did my best writing of 2015 sitting outdoors in the Spanish sun, writing in a lined spiral notebook. “Go write!” Peter Murphy, of Murphy Writing Seminars, told us. “Tell a secret, tell a lie, and never tell anyone which is which.” I sat at a wooden table outside our cottage at L’Avenç, a beautifulContinue reading “Writing in Spain”
The Value of Color
“I Think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” Alice Walker Market in Granada, Spain Our eyes are drawn to color. Visual color attracts us and demands our attention. Like a magnet, it pulls us in. Advertisers and film makers know the value ofContinue reading “The Value of Color”
Starting the Whole Dang Process over Again
A dungeon in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. Might work it into a new novel. Beginning a new novel is both exhilarating and scary. I enjoy the new ideas for plot details, setting, and characters that pop willy-nilly into my brain. Old characters poke their heads in to say, “Can I be in this one? You saidContinue reading “Starting the Whole Dang Process over Again”
Thanks for Great Review of Hotel Saint Clare in Suspense Magazine
Hotel Saint Clare by Kathleen Heady A young woman rises from the sea and steps out of the waves with seaweed twined in her long hair. Although it sounds like the resurrection of a goddess, it is actually the opening scene for a mysterious tale. Two young boys collecting shells on the seashore tell theContinue reading “Thanks for Great Review of Hotel Saint Clare in Suspense Magazine”
What Can You Find in the Quiet Place?
Readers often ask where writers find their ideas. I don’t think I am alone in saying I do not come up with ideas when sitting in front of a computer. Creativity does not come from a busy place. It comes from a quiet place. Finding a quiet place in a busy twenty-first century life canContinue reading “What Can You Find in the Quiet Place?”
Blog Hopping for The Writer’s Process
I’m doing a question and answer session today for The Writer’s Process blog. It is a little introduction to my writing, and those of you who know me may learn something about me you didn’t know before. I would love to read your comments! What am I working on/writing? I am currently working on aContinue reading “Blog Hopping for The Writer’s Process”
One Strip of Lace, Ninety-six Years Old
I consider myself an organized person — make that very organized. I usually plan menus for the week and go to the grocery store with a list. I make daily to-do lists. I keep up on car maintenance (and don’t you dare leave trash in my car), go to the dentist twice a year, andContinue reading “One Strip of Lace, Ninety-six Years Old”