Tag: writing

  • The Void

    Jessie

    You must feed the void or it will feed on you. That is what writing is. It is standing on a precipice, staring into an endless hole with no guarantee, no possibility really, that you will ever be able to fill it up. And while the void is deep enough already, if you wait, if… Read more

  • Day Jobs

    Jessie

    I have a full time job and then some. It has been about eight weeks since I took the position after completing my MFA degree in Creative Writing. And I now no longer have time to write everyday. It is often frustrating, probably adds to some of my sleep issues and exhaustion, but I will… Read more

  • New Year New Reads

    Jessie

    Happy 2015! I’m sure everyone plans to read more this year (don’t know that we will, but it’s nice to dream) and I have my first suggestions. My friend Daniela has just translated her debut novel into English, and it’s available for digital download on amazon.com. If you love fantasy (and a good deal) try a… Read more

  • Thesis Writing and Movie Titles

    Jessie

    So this happened today … And in 4 weeks the first draft of my thesis is due. These two events together are not particularly conducive to focusing. I try to tell myself it’s writing, that I do it all the time. Like, all the time. But it’s different when I know someone is waiting to… Read more

  • National Book Festival 2014

    Jessie

    The National Book Festival was today in DC. I attended for the second year in a row. Perhaps it was more apparent this year, as the venue was indoors rather than out on the national mall, but the festival was incredibly well attended. I sat through four packed presentations and spent the rest of my… Read more

  • 10 Signs Finals are Coming (MFA Style)

    Jessie

    10) Your professors actually mention that your class has a syllabus and you do have an exam 9) You realize exams are still something you have to deal with 8 )  Your needing coffee is now a socially acceptable complaint 7) Your needing alcohol is now a socially acceptable complaint 6) Your classes are full… Read more

  • Collaboration

    Jessie

    Yesterday a play I wrote received a staged reading.  Something to know about me is I’m a little bit shy.  I write because I love it, but I also find it an easier and more enjoyable form of communication than talking.  However, when working with dramatic writing forms, rather than short fiction or novels, there is… Read more

  • Thinking Tools

    Jessie

    When I write (usually long hand, I type later) I like to have one thing other than a pen and paper.  For those long minutes when I actually have to stop and think between pages about what to do next I need a ball of some kind. Usually I have a baseball or a Spaldeen,… Read more

  • Interview Skills

    Jessie

    I gave my first in person interview a two weeks ago and today it came out in print. I didn’t say anything terribly embarrassing and I don’t look like a crazy person in the picture, so overall, it was a success. However, I can now honestly say there are few things more terrifying than a… Read more

  • Sequels

    Jessie

    A Sequel to the “The House of the Scorpion”, by Nancy Farmer is going to be a thing! So I’m pretty excited. Never heard of “The House of the Scorpion“? It was a YA science fiction novel from 2002.  It was also my favorite book when I was growing up (outside of the Harry Potter books).  If… Read more