On Writing
Responses help your reader
If your audience locks into the emotional journey of your main character, then they’ll know how to respond when your character responds. If a stranger approaches and the main character seems relaxed, then the audience will be comfortable as well. If they seem threatened, there’ll be tension. Your
A Novel is like a party
“For me, a novel is like a party. Anybody who wants to join in can join in, and those who wish to leave can do so whenever they want.” — Haruki Murakami
What's it for?
Seth Godin recently asked two questions in a blog post: "Who's it for? What's it for?" When writing, do you know who it's for? It doesn't have to be an audience with a capital "A." It doesn't have to be for any audience; it can be for just you. But
Journey with your characters
Most people can't have the whole story in their heads. Too many pieces, too many moving parts. That doesn't mean you must plan it out. Once your character's story takes shape, then begin. Allow yourself to be surprised and adapt, and let your imagination take you on a journey. That
Untidy
The past few days have felt untidy. Disorganized. Things have been happening around me, and I've been trying to keep it all straight. Again, I'm grateful for my to-do list, but I fill it with items and wait until after to sort out how and when to deal with them.
The lies our characters tell themselves
Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon tells the story of a priest and woodcutter trying to understand a murder by listening to the testimonies of the multiple people involved. Ultimately, they struggle to find the truth amongst the lies. A similar type of story occurs within each of us. We tell ourselves multiple
New Process, New You
When starting a new project in a new form or medium, you need to give yourself the time to figure things out. Even if you're a powerhouse at creation, your familiar process will be off. The slightest change can lead to resistance or struggle. It's all okay, so be patient
Not deciding vs. indecision.
One is a choice, and one is an obstacle. One is an action, and one is a response. One is done with intention and one happens out of fear. They both work narratively, but do you know which one your character is doing?
The power of the gap
We want things. We want money, happiness, good health, happy kids, a house over our heads, food in our bellies, and any number of other things. Yet, we're often busy responding to the world around us and our thoughts, memories, and feelings. We are overloaded and overwhelmed by the stimuli
The Creative Partnership in The Bear
May contain minor spoilers. If you've read my last two newsletters, you know I'm a fan of The Bear Season 2. There are many reasons, but I'm recently loving the partnership of Carmy and Sydney. Yes, it needs some fixing, but when it does indeed work, you can see why