Invoking the Muse: How to Get Inspiration You Can Use III: Keeping a Dream Diary

Last time we talked about various authors who got inspiration from dreams and visions. This time we’ll talk about practical suggestions for keeping a dream/vision diary and transforming them into something you can actually use. Keep a dream diary. Every morning (or whenever you have a dream), jot down a 1-2 sentence description, or even […]

Invoking the Muse: How to Get Inspiration You Can Use II (Dreams and Visions)

In the last post on this topic we talked about the Hoodoo vs. Hard Work continuum. This time we’ll talk about catching your dreams and visions. But wait! you cry. This is supposed to be about practical tips! How are dreams and visions practical? Well, they’re not, not exactly. But they are a key source […]

Why Aren’t You Writing VI: What If You Don’t Think You Deserve It (Whatever “It” Is)

In my previous post I talked about physical obstacle and in particular dealing with illness and disability while writing. In this one I’ll talk about an especially insidious mental block–thinking you don’t deserve to do the things that would make you successful. I’m sure I’m committed to my writing. I’m so sure I’m committed to […]

Invoking the Muse: How to Get Inspiration You Can Use I: Hoodoo vs. Hard Work

Thus far I’ve been talking about obstacles to writing and how to get over them. I may revisit that topic–I’ve been thinking a lot about the problem of aiming low because you don’t feel like you deserve to have success and nice things, so that’s sure to come up soon–but for the moment I’m going […]

Why Aren’t You Writing VII: Pulling it All Together

Last time I talked about overcoming feelings of self-doubt. Today I’m going to finish up with a summary of thoughts on how to deal with or get around material obstacles for writing. Make a list of what your obstacles are. Then make a list of what you might do about them. They probably are not […]

Why Aren’t You Writing V: Overcoming Illness and Disability

Last time we talked about different writing tools you can use. This time we’re going to talk about something particularly close to my heart: writing when you’re dealing with some kind of physical infirmity. Even healthy people will experience physical and mental fatigue, eye strain, and neck/back/hand pain if they spend too much time writing, […]

Why Aren’t You Writing IV: Finding the Right Tools

Last time I talked about making the writing process fun. This time let’s talk about the tools of the trade, and what to do if you have a hard time finding the right tool to get your words down. If no access to writing materials is your problem, as always, be creative (because you’re a […]

Why Aren’t You Writing III: Making the Process Fun

Last time we talked about finding the right place to write. That’s important, but perhaps even more important is finding the right mindset. Writing should be fun! Yes, fun! I know it’s work, but it’s work you’re choosing to do, right? If it’s a total drag you’re doing something wrong. So here are some ideas […]

Why Aren’t You Writing Part II: Finding the Right Place

Last week we started of our series on obstacles that can get in the way of your writing by talking about finding the time to write. This time we’ll talk a little bit about things you can try to find the right place. As always, this may seem super-obvious–or it may not. Or maybe you […]

Why Aren’t You Writing Part I: Finding the Time to Write

Why Aren’t You Writing? There’s a running joke, especially in the academic world, about how you should be writing. If you search the phrase, you will come up with dozens if not hundreds of menacing images like this one: The fact that you could be writing at pretty much any moment of your day if […]

E. P. Clark: Author, Book Reviewer, and All-Around Literary Handiwoman

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