Queer travel writer
Working through the exercises and keeping “artist’s dates” with myself gave me a rope ladder to pull myself back up and invest in my creativity while also helping me nurture myself during what was otherwise an overwhelming and anxiety-ridden year.
Yes, it’s great to get poems published, or have your manuscript requested by an agent, or receive praise from peers in your writing workshop. That recognition can keep you going through the tough times. But as long as you look for validation from external sources, you’re never going to fully trust your creativity. Do your work because you value it.
Dialogue is one of those elements that can make or break your story. It’s also one of those things that it’s really hard to get right….in part because many writers don’t know (or won’t hear) they are getting it wrong.
When you’re going through a bad day, the trick is not to internalize all the crap that comes up. Recognize it, acknowledge it, and then keep going until you’ve hit your goal. Here are a few ways I do that.
Living in the country, I don’t get many chances to attend readings, mingle with other writers, or take part in a writer’s group …. all things I took for granted when I lived in Boston. Fortunately, the explosion in podcasts has brought a ton of great audio content that lets me learn about craft, find books to read, and cultivate a connection to the writer’s community.
Listening to writing podcasts has helped me better understand the publishing industry, feel less alone in my journey, and get a new perspective on aspects of the writing craft and process.