In No More Secondhand Art, Peter London describes how the phrase “forbidden colors” freed him from an artistic block. “It was now apparent to me that my stuckedness wasn’t my failure to use well what I had; it was a failure of my imagination to allow me access to a full range of possibilities…” London … More Denying Possibilities Creates Writer’s Block
When the Maestro told the young musician “You lack passion” (see previous post), he was acting as, Paige McKinney pointed out in her comment on that post, an arrogant, self-appointed “agent of artistic Darwinism.” This is the other reason I hate the Maestro story: the violin master is exclusionary. He filters people out. Personally, I … More The Maestro’s Artistic Darwinism or What’s Passion Got to Do with It?
This Saturday May 18 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm is your chance to Overcome Your Writing Resistance at ArtReach in Stillwater, MN. (more details) Not only will you get the information you need to write more — more often, more freely, more effectively — you’ll have a ton of fun! Free brains, writing for … More Overcome Your Writing Resistance
When a violin virtuoso on tour came to his city, a young musician named Tom talked his way into an opportunity to play for the Maestro. When Tom finished, the Maestro said “You lack passion.” Years later when the Maestro came back, Tom, now a successful executive, arranged for a few friends to enjoy the … More The Maestro’s Advice and Why You Should Ignore it
You’ve probably seen it: the confusion, frustration, disappointment or disbelief when a writing group gives a writer requested, yet unwelcome feedback. Readers wonder why the writer submitted the piece if s/he didn’t want honest feedback. They often judge the writer for being unprofessional. The writer, on the other hand, wonders why at least some people … More Are You Sure It’s Feedback You Want?
Usually, I post my best stuff here first, but Hazel & Wren got first dibs on my latest Top Ten Tips list. Fortunately, it’s just a link away and when you take that link, you can explore Hazel & Wren’s fabulous Literary Community website. Be sure to scroll down to see this week’s Three Things … More Top Ten Tips for Writers
In response to the post “Do You Know Who NOT to Ask for Feedback,” Paige McKinney commented, “My first response to the post title was ‘my family’…” Joel Canfield commented on the first post in this series on feedback, “What’s hardest for me has been the silence from my family. Not my wife; she’s my … More Do You Really Want Feedback From Family?
Sometimes we get so caught up in the desire for response to our writing, we forget to screen the sources of that feedback. But all readers are not equal. Find Readers Who Are Right for Your Writing When asking for feedback, choose people whose opinions you respect and who have the experience, interest and emotional … More Do You Know Who NOT to Ask for Feedback?
Previous posts have identified inappropriate feedback as a cause of writer’s block (or other forms of resistance) and established that the writer should determine what level and type of feedback her/his writing receives. What you need now is a common understanding of what to call different levels of feedback with other writers you exchange feedback … More Seven Levels of Writing Feedback
When a piece of writing is “hot,” that is, when it’s fresh from your imagination onto the screen or page, you don’t really want or need critique. Like a cake just out of the oven, a new piece of writing will lose its shape and flavor if it’s poked at too soon. The level of … More Do You Know What Your Writing Needs?
Bane of Your Resistance 