There are some basic rules to NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). You have to write 50,000 words in a month. You have to start on November 1. You have to work on a new piece. You have to write a novel. I am breaking all the rules. Okay, I am writing a novel because this is…
Sometimes the internet is a dark place. A really, really dark place. But I've found a bright spot of sunshine. It's called I've Pet That Dog. What is this magic place of puppies and happiness? It is a Twitter account run by a young man named Gideon who takes pictures of cute dogs and writes…
Where in the world have I been the last two weeks? I was in Japan! (Unlike Carmen Sandiego, I was unfortunately not wearing a red fedora.) While I have tons of great writing lessons for you, I decided to just give you one today. (Okay, okay, my jet lag has told me that I should…
I adore Judd Apatow. Ever since I saw Freaks and Geeks, I have wanted to hang a poster of him in my office as a source of inspiration (don't worry; I won't build a shrine a la Helga in Hey Arnold!). I think he is funny, brilliant, and interesting. He creates characters that are complex, flawed, and…
Once upon a time, I believed there was a land of "ready." When I reached this place, I would be transformed. Things I was currently afraid of or felt unprepared for would suddenly be easy. I would handle all those dreaded things with grace and perfectly. When I reached this place, the timing would always…
I was so honored to be interviewed by Ricky Shetty for his podcast. We discuss all you need to know about creating a book. We cover everything from busting writer's block to the pros and cons of self-publishing.
A doctor struggles to stay alive after nearly drowning. An intern studies for hours on end because if he fails the test, he loses his career. A chief physician has to chose between his job and his wife. What do all of these things have in common? Well, they are all stories on Grey's Anatomy. But,…
Right now I am binging on old episodes of Project Runway, and I can't help but apply some of the lessons toward my writing. Without further ado, here are my biggest takeaways. 1. Listen to feedback. Whenever Timm Gunn gives a designer advice, he is usually right. If a designer listens, she is probably safe…
Call me a nerd (I admit it freely), but one of my favorite things to do as a child was back-to-school shopping. While most of my peers were groaning about heading back into the classroom, I was clicking my heels at the prospect of buying a new Lisa Frank notebook or a Trapper Keeper. (My…
As you know, I went to the Hamptons last week, and it pretty much changed my life. Everything was in a total state of flow, and I had the most fun writing. How did I maintain this close communion with my muse? After reflecting on my trip, I pulled out five writing lessons for you.…