a.k.a writer

a.k.a writer

copy distinguished

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A fork in the road: taking both paths as a writer

February 20, 2012

If I could choose one word to describe the last year, it would be focus. I’m more focused in the type of freelance copywriting projects I want and I’ve become very clear in my goals—and voice—as a creative writer.

This blog: not so focused. But I’m going to fix that.

Because this site has housed my portfolio and been the launching point for my business a.k.a writer, I’ve been mindful of being professional. I’ve written every post as though as prospective or current client might read it. That’s fine, but it’s felt very confining when it comes to the creative non-fiction writing that I love so much. It muted my voice and created a distance that didn’t feel write right.

So now I’m going to focus a.k.a writer on copywriting and freelancing, which includes things like tips for building a business and “ask a.k.a.” I’ll also be posting related images to my pinterest boards. For a more creative outlet, I’ve started a new tumblr  a written life: the alphabet’s personal. My tumblr is more of a playground and will include quotes, links, photos and posts about writing. Topics will range from memoir to finding an agent to what strikes me at the moment. (You may see some content seeded from old a.k.a writer posts; I will also be writing new pieces.) Having the two sites has been re-energizing and inspiring. There’s so much to write!

There’s no obligation to visit both sites, but I hope one of them will speak to you. If there’s anything you’d like to see on a.k.a writer, let me know in the comments here.

Aha. The end changed everything.

February 3, 2012

I haven’t been shy…well, when I was updating this blog in the fall, I wasn’t shy about my goal to finish a full draft of a book by the end of 2011. On December 15, I met that goal.

While that accomplishment was worth celebrating, the real moment was writing the final line of the final chapter—so that’s what I’ve been writing towards! Gaining that insight changed everything and I was ready to revise immediately. However, I forced myself to go “writing free” for two weeks. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but it was so worth it. By the time I started revisions, I had a fresh perspective and more energy.

During my writing hiatus I also realized this blog needs a better focus, both for you and me. Once I sent my manuscript off to my first reader, I finally gave this neglected site some thought. And I’ve got big changes almost ready to roll.

Look for news, and something new, here soon. (I promise very soon, not two months down the line.)

Okay, enough about me. How’s 2012 treating you?

With Thanksgiving in the United States just hours away, my attention has turned from word counts to baking. The holiday tends to kick off what’s known as my “baking season” and it’s my number one distraction from writing during November and December. This year, however, I have to balance the measuring ingredients with getting the words to the page: I have a goal of a full rough draft manuscript by December 31.

I can see myself meeting that goal and can’t wait for the day I can print out the full draft (sorry trees) to start the revisions. As a writer, here are the top three things I’m thankful for right now:

  1. time to write
  2. supportive friends and family
  3. access to writers

What do I mean by access to writers? Whether it’s connecting 140 characters at a time on Twitter or hearing an author speak about his or her writing via video, we can find inspiration from our favorite writers on a daily basis. One of my most treasured experiences from the last two years of Aspen Summer Words Writing Retreat has been hearing Nikky Finney read her poetry and share her stories. I could listen to her strong, powerful, tender voice all day long. In the video here, she reads “Left,” from her latest collection of poetry Head Off and Split.

What are you thankful for this year?

This thankful writer

November 23, 2011

The tips here for gaining perspective on your writing are worth bookmarking to reference again and again.

November 11, 2011

Yesterday, I saw the documentary “One Night Stand” about the 24-hour journey of four musicals from the page to the stage. As a writer, I found it galvanizing (and as a theatre major, thrilling). This film also made me think of my friends participating in NaNoWriMo and the unbelievable crunch to get 50,000 words down in 30 days. One of the writers featured in the film described producing a musical in one day as the “ultimate cure for writer’s block.” What could you do if you gave yourself 24 hours and a seemingly impossible goal?

Whether you’re looking for a two-minute break from your writing, or need a “you can do it boost,” here’s a little clip for you.

24 hours, 6 composers, 4 writers

November 7, 2011

I’m not a fan of picking on journalists, but this site Unnecessary Journalism Phrases is an interesting refresher to peruse before editing your own work.

November 4, 2011

I’m too close to finishing a manuscript draft to participate in NaNoWriMo, which starts today. If you’re trying to decide, read this encouraging take on it.

November 1, 2011

I stumbled across this video of Mary Karr and wanted to share, especially for all my fellow creative nonfiction writers. This is an excerpt from her keynote at the 2010 Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference. (p.s. I promise to share authors other than Mary Karr. Or this that a trick? Happy Halloween.)

A treat for writers

October 31, 2011

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