The Poet & Writer

I want to be a poet, so I say "I am a poet." I want to be a writer, so I say "I am a writer." I have these tales in my head I write them down. I have these poems I place in this dumping ground. They're rough draft versions that need much work. …

Let’s Share: What Stephen King Taught Me

K.D. Dowdall states: “I was a competent mimic.” Why does this particular line speak to me? Well, because it encomapsses everything that any artist needs in order to perfect their craft. The reason is because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. For writers if you do not know how to imitate the style of those authors you love then you can’t write. You will not be able to take your reader on a journey and loose them within the creations of life you penned and you’ll loose them to the world in the first line.

I heard this at the writers conference critique, “The begining should be a promise to your reader.” That stuck with me, it is a powerful concept to think that as a writer I promise to guide my reader on a journey.

If you can’t keep that promise then how can you write?

 

 

 

K. D. Dowdall

Stephen King wrote a seminal work on fantasy fiction writing—a memoir of the craft on writing by the same name: Stephen King: A memoir of the Craft – On Writing.

When I decided to write fantasy fiction, instead of just dreaming about it, I decided the best place to start would be with Stephen King. Who better to learn from but a master fiction writer?  So, I purchased his book in the year 2005, read it several times, high-lighted tantalizing concepts, tabbed with sticky writable tabs until I had outlined the entire book.  I soon learned that reading about writing, tabbing every conceivable point of interest does not necessarily create a master fiction writer or even a mediocre fiction writer.

So, I stopped reading books on writing and just started reading books I loved: Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Edgar Allen Poe, Harry Potter, Hans Christian Anderson, and so many others.  I…

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Let’s Share: Jessica Dreisdadt

Excerpt from Whole Happy and Healthy: A Revolutionary Approach to Understanding and Thriving with Mental Illness http://amzn.to/2mUjVRK via The Material World — Jessica R. Dreistadt

Let’s Share: Patricia Bell-Scott

Again, I am going to talk about another wonderful woman I met over the weekend at this writing conference I attended. Patricia Bell-Scott, I don't even have words to describe the friendship that emerged. She is an award winning published author and all around humble human being. Please check out her website: http://patriciabellscott.com/ Then purchase …

Music Monday’s

I forgot it was Monday and that I should be sharing some music. In the spirit of this weekend-here are my choices. Notice the recurring theme! Because I am a queen that thing goes on-and-on. https://youtu.be/Mq86e4Fhja0 https://youtu.be/T6QKqFPRZSA https://youtu.be/-CPCs7vVz6s

Let’s Share: Lisa St. John

You ever meet anyone who you instantly connect with? Someone who is amazing, happy and authentic. That is Lisa, I met her at a writer's conference over the weekend and I cannot begin to tell you how kind she is. She touched my heart with her generosity and sincerity. Check out her blog. Oh, and …

Let’s Share: Mary Beth

I made a new friend at a conference I attended over the weekend. Please stop by her and visit her blog. She was absolutely delightful and kind. She definitely had an infectious smile. Happy Monday! https://mbcoudal.com/about/