Katharine's Writer's Block

Which one are you? Writers go by many identities: authors, bloggers, journalists, essayists, novelists, poets, critics, playwrights...but a couple less familiar names might be pantsers and plotters . These terms relate to their approaches to work: A pantser is a writer who works without an outline or much planning on hand, essentially flying--or writing--by the seat of their pants. In contrast, a plotter is a writer who makes extensive use of outlines, plotlines, prewriting,

Is there a writer in your life? What kind of gifts would be liked by one gifted with an affinity for words? Here are recommendations from me and other writers: Writing-focused material or courses Tools or opportunities that nurture writing potential are one of the most practical things to give the writer in your life. Buy them a subscription to writing courses, magazines, or a retreat. Gift them books, services, or software to help them hone their craft or navigate the world

As established in a previous lesson , fifty thousand words is a general minimum for a novel. Believe it or not, many writing enthusiasts strive to meet that mark within a month during an event called National Novel Writing Month (or NaNoWriMo), held every November since 1999. More than just a numeric goal, NaNoWriMo gives interested participants free access to resources that foster community, accountability, and creative development. When a new project is in the works, a new

Today’s lesson is loosely based on a Twitter post... The fuller context of this remark is within a growing battle between human- and...

Blog, blogging, blogger...these are commonplace words that have gained traction in society within the last twenty to thirty years. As...

Poetry is a blend of art and written or spoken word. It’s often evocative; centered on strong images, memories, or feelings. In the...

A cooking hobbyist may read cookbooks to learn new recipes or techniques. In the same way, a writer is suggested to read to improve their craft. The reasoning behind it includes: Reading makes a habit out of creative consciousness. If you’ve ever done a close-reading exercise/study , engaging that consciousness is what it intends to do. Reading exposes you to different writing styles and new ideas. Reading makes writing lessons out of entertainment. Reading improves vocabular

Previous lessons have touched on the foundations of written expression and producing your best work . Now let’s put them into practice! Your writing materials are at the ready! A blank new document on your computer screen awaits your typing touch. A fresh notebook page anticipates the scrawl of your writing utensil. However, your mind is as blank as the canvas you stare at! Your ideas have become elusive butterflies! You keep missing your trains of thought! A pesky voice in