Category: Writing Process

• Writing: Can I do it again?

  This seems to be a re-occurring theme for me, and I suppose for many writers: Can I do it again? The ‘it’ is write. Can I repeat the magic? Do I have another story in me? Will the clever hooks and twists and turns be so evident in my next writing as in my last…

  sassevn

  May 27, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  brainstorming, indie writers, writer doubt, writing, writing procedure, writing process

• Slicing and Dicing the Script

  The musical I’m directing is three weeks away from opening. Today we had our first mega-rehearsal – 8 hours which included two complete run-throughs from start to finish. I know now that I had been over-optimistic about the musical’s length. I was confident that we could get it done in 2.5 hours which would have…

  sassevn

  May 3, 2014

  drama, Writing Process

  drama writing, editing, play-writing, writing process

• That Sinking Feeling that a New Novel is Almost Ready

  I spent part of the afternoon looking over some edits I received back from my proofreader for my third novel, The Reach of the Banyan Tree. As I was polishing some language and grammar, I found myself analyzing every word I had written. Sudden angst welled up within me, and I started to think that perhaps…

  sassevn

  April 27, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  ARC, beta readers, book publishing, editing process, indie author, novel release

• A(nother) Parallel Between Acting & Writing

  Acting coach Larry Moss said: “Acting represents all that human beings experience, and if you want to be “nice” you will never be a serious communicator of the human experience.” Let’s see if we can substitute “writing” for “acting” and still have it make sense. Writing represents all that human beings experience, and if you…

  sassevn

  April 24, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  authentic writing, character development, drama and writing, larry moss, writing criticism

• There’s no way to know if you should “blow-up” your writing

  You’re cruising along in your writing, following a certain idea, a certain rabbit trail that has you darting and dogging over and under a thrilling maze of obstacles until you are satisfied that you have what you want. And then, you get another idea – an idea which will completely restructure everything you just wrote.…

  sassevn

  April 4, 2014

  Writing Process

  approaches to writing, brainstorming, clarity in writing, creative writing, plot, writing ideas

• What does a successful writing session look like?

  Yesterday, I posted a silly philosophical rant prior to sitting down and writing out an idea that I had for a short play. I probably jinxed myself because I went on about how within the next two hours I would be “changed” because of the inspiration which I just put down on paper. I currently…

  sassevn

  March 31, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  approaches to writing, brainstorming for writing, generating ideas for writing, short plays, writing process

• A Momentary Stare at a Blank Page

  Before I go and write I wanted to reflect on the blank page that awaits me. I have an idea in my head and I am ready to start putting it on paper. Two hours from now the blank will be filled, but I am not yet sure what I will have. Will the words…

  sassevn

  March 30, 2014

  Play, Writing Excerpt, Writing Process

  blank page, brainstorming, ideas, short plays, starting to write, thoughts on writing, writing

• Decision Making in Writing: When Writers and Readers Disagree

  I always say this: “Writing is all about making decisions. Good writing is about making the right decisions.” Now if someone would please point out to me the meaning of ‘right decision’ then I’ll be sitting at a Parisian Cafe with the next generation of Roaring 20s writers. How do you know when you made…

  sassevn

  March 28, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  beauty rising, critique, indie author, reviews, Vietnam, writing, writing process

• George Orwell on Writing

  “If you simplify your English, you are freed from the worst follies of orthodoxy.” – George Orwell, 1946 I recently came across this gem of an essay by George Orwell. It’s on writing and political discourse. You can Read the essay HERE! Granted, this essay is specifically speaking of political language and he points out that…

  sassevn

  March 27, 2014

  Writing Process

  clarity in writing, editing, george orwell on writing, good writing, language use, political discourse and writing, rules for writing, simple writing, writing process

• Write What’s on Your Heart

  Writing is the most heart-revealing exercise I’ve ever been involved with. The writing process bares the soul, and makes the writer ponder deep and hard about the hidden caverns which need exploring but which the writer may be too squeamish to approach. I truly believe what my college literature professor said that a reader should…

  sassevn

  March 20, 2014

  Writing Process

  brainstorming for writing, indie writers, writers, writing, writing from the heart, writing process