I was reading b.’s blog, Live…Write…Teach…, and was reminded of making a hand list. I first saw this strategy in Penny Kittle & Don Grave’s Inside Writing. I’m glad b.… Read more {discover.play.build.} "hands" list →
Tam, a friend and fellow writing group, member sent our writing group an email last weekend that said: Here is Neville’s friend. She is getting to know her characters and… Read more {discover.play.build.} what’s lurking in your email box? →
I’ve been thinking about what I know about Andy now that I didn’t know when we got married twelve years ago. He has more compassion for the underdog than I ever believed was possible. He is fiercely loyal to his family. He works hard because he cares about a job well done. A fifteen minute nap + a shower wipes away all stress, frustration, and grouchiness. It is magic. He likes to make people feel good about themselves. It makes me realize there’s a rhythm to relationships when we’ve been… Read more {discover.play.build.} long-term relationships →
Happy 4th! (photo: 2006) Last night I was sitting on the balcony off my bedroom watching fireworks with my family. The kids heard the booms from their beds and got up to… Read more {discover.play.build.} holidays →
id·i·o·syn·cra·sy noun \ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē\ plural id·i·o·syn·cra·sies Definition of IDIOSYNCRASY 1 a : a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or qualityb : individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food) 2 : characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament); broadly :eccentricity from: Merriam-Webster Online Keeping a writer’s notebook has helped me to notice the details surrounding me. I like capturing tiny details that become significant in crafting the story or building the character. In order to do this, I must be aware of the world around me. Just now, as I was waiting for water to boil for my tea, I looked… Read more {discover.play.build.} idiosyncrasies →
You can understand a lot about a person when you know their fears. Fictional characters are no exception. Last year the compulsion to write a YA novel struck at the… Read more {discover.play.build.} fears →
Kristina McBride shared in her presentation that she often turns to iStockPhoto for inspiration. A few nights ago I played a little with the site. It has a nice search… Read more (discover.play.build.) images →
I’ve had a hard time getting to know the main character in my newest WIP. In fact, I filled a notebook about her and ended up learning I didn’t like… Read more inside a locker →
Ruth Ayres Writes 