New Book Update: My Early Attempts to Embrace Uncertainty

June 11, 2013

I’m embracing uncertainty. Admittedly, I’m embracing it with the one-handed, two-second pat-his-back-and-push-back kind of hug you give an uncle you never really liked far more than with the open-hearted, lingering enfolding you give your Beloved. But it’s a start. I’m in First Insight (described in chapter 4 of Around the Writer’s Block). This is the … More New Book Update: My Early Attempts to Embrace Uncertainty

The Maestro’s Artistic Darwinism or What’s Passion Got to Do with It?

May 16, 2013

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?

The Maestro’s Advice and Why You Should Ignore it

May 13, 2013

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

Are You Sure It’s Feedback You Want?

May 9, 2013

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?