· When Did You Start Writing? · Think back for a moment at your desire to write or to be published. Do you recall the first book that moved you? Did an author, parent, or teacher encourage you? Think of all the experience you've already had writing, living, and learning. Maybe you've traveled a lot or have had job experiences that are worth writing about. Maybe you've fought battles, internal or external, that are worth sharing so that others can benefit from your struggles. Or … [Read more...] about Writing Experience
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Tribal Identity
· Left or Right? · I grew up in a white, suburban neighborhood of Chicago. People in my community, Skokie, were predominately of the Jewish faith. On Jewish holidays at school I would join two or three other students in our nearly empty classrooms. Because of my religion, I was a minority. I had many Jewish friends including Steve Boren. Les Nagai, was Japanese American; Harvey Look was Chinese American. I never thought of any of them as hyphenated friends; we were just buddies. When my … [Read more...] about Tribal Identity
Writing Dialogue
· Know Your Characters · "So, you said you wanted to be a better writer." "Yeah, I do." "Well, I'll give you some tips. I'll bet you've heard this one before." "Just tell me!" "Practice, practice, practice." "Oh, come on now! I know that already! How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice." "Yeah, but knowing it and doing it are two different things." "Well, that's true. I don't write enough." "In writing dialogue you must first know your characters. In order to … [Read more...] about Writing Dialogue
