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Showing posts from April, 2022

A Writer’s Attitude by Jeremy D Vance

           As a writer, I can certainly struggle with attitude when putting pen to paper. Perhaps I am resistant to writing or haunted by self-doubt. As I wrestle with these thoughts, hours can pass by without any words on the page. This can pile on discouragement and lead to giving up the day’s work.                     So how can i have the right attitude so the day is productive?  In my opinion, conquering resistance and self-doubt comes by wielding the choice for a positive mindset. Today I struggled with my attitude for writing the blog. Instead of putting off its creation, I chose to be positive about it before starting. I put away my resistance and chose to look forward to its completion. As I wrote, the positive feelings arrived and the day became productive.        I know it seems pretty simplistic to just choose the right attitude. It might take some time to overcome the negativity, but in my experience, it is possible. A productive day of writing can come if I choose to pers

One Life’s Purpose by Jeremy D Vance

       The pursuit of money and fame can be a big lure for you to write a book. If you set this as your purpose, you most likely will become discouraged and even give up when it is discovered that writing and publishing a book is genuinely difficult. Popularity and cash do not come from simply putting your words on a page.       In my opinion, you must find a deeper purpose for crafting stories or even non-fiction. Such a purpose will be the rudder that keeps your writing on course in the storms of self-doubt and rejection.      My purpose in writing speculative fiction for children and teens has been to help them walk through life’s difficult moments as well as to prompt thinking about deeper issues. After my period of distraction, I had to re-examine and renew my purpose so that I may continue on this epic writing journey. Once firmly in my grasp again, I look forward to the future laid before me and so  Whether I reach a few or thousands with my stories, it will all be worth the eff

Jeremy D Vance’s Review of “The Art of Slow Writing: Reflections on Time, Craft, and Creativity” by Louise DeSalvo

           If you are a writer who avoids sharing smaller word counts, this is a great book!      In the introduction, DeSalvo states, “In our rush-rush world, if we allow ourselves to slow down our lives and our writing process, we’ll discover that we’ll connect—or reconnect— with the wellspring of our most profound work.”      Whether you are a fiction writer or memoir author like DeSalvo, this book is worth the look. From tips to connect with your Muse to creating a process journal, good writing wisdom can be mined here. The author also backs up this information with similar practices by popular authors showing that you are not alone in slow writing and that you can learn from good examples.      This book drew me in for a little over a week. It sure kept my interest and I’m sure it will keep yours too.

Slow Writing by Jeremy D Vance

      Zoooom!!!! My fingers flew over the keyboard one day crafting my fantasy novelette. Determined to beat my personal best, I made my fingertips almost smoke. By the day’s end, I shattered my record.       Fast forward two months, I sent my story to a beta reader after a period of reflection and revision. Her prompt reply? “Clunky writing.”      Granted, my writing experience was low at the time, but the critique demonstrated that a high wpm doesn’t equate with quality. Now I’m not slamming any speedy writers because there are those who do produce great works. Kudos to all who accomplish such a feat. For me, slow writing allows for reflection and care not always available in a rapid pace. Attention to craft also comes to the forefront as I slow down. It doesn’t mean I edit as I write, but I put more thought into what goes on the screen.      I believe slow writers shouldn’t be embarrassed of their pace but instead embrace it as one way to put their talents into practice. Gifts can’t