Tag: fiction

Got writer’s block? Check these out.

Posted on by Giacarla in writing

Photo by Ryan Snaadt on Unsplash

I can’t write.

I mean, I can write. I have two degrees in creative writing and have written professionally for decades.

But when it comes to writing on my own, I have a horrible time with writer’s block. This is a relatively new thing in the past few years, and I think life and all its responsibilities take a toll on creativity.

But when I decide I’m tired of my own excuses (maybe they aren’t all excuses, but more of my feeling bad about writing), I look for resources that can help. Let me tell you about some of them.

There’s a class for that

I love school. I love classes and ever since graduation, I’ve taken a variety of them. Having deadlines and accountability helps me tremendously. So, if they help you and you have a little extra time and money, here are a few I suggest.

Writing Workshops: Most of the classes are online but they also offer international writing retreats and even an IndieMFA program — all from professional writers.

Gotham Writers Workshop: Gotham offers in-person, Zoom, and independent programs taught by accomplished faculty.

On the page

Writing books are great if you want flexibility and have more self-discipline than I do. They come in different formats from inspirational to workbook. Some of my favorites include:

Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott

On Writing by Stephen King

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

Right now I’m super excited about these: Write a Romantasy and Write a Dystopian Novel, both from Erik Patterson, who you may know as YourDailyWritingPrompt on TikTok. Coming soon, and the one I’m most excited about, is Write a Horror Novel.

Erik brings his quick wit and professional insights to these pages full of tips, encouragement and prompts. He’s fantastic.

In the cards

Are you creative but also into Tarot and magick? Check these out:

Tarot for Creativity by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi

Lessons from the Empress by Cassandra Snow and Siri Vincent Plouff

Magic Maker by Pam Grossman

The Writer’s Oracle by Alexadra Rowland (not magic, but still excellent)

Tell me more

What are your go-to resources when you need some writing inspiration? Let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for suggestions, please help a fellow writer out!

“Libraries are our friends.” -Neil Gaiman

Posted on by Giacarla in books, musings, reviews

(Featured image of a place I really wish was mine by Mariia Zakatiura on Unsplash)

In my time off, I’ve been reading a lot but because I didn’t think I was getting paychecks anytime soon, I’ve rediscovered what a treasure the local library is. Currently I’m reading Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby. If you haven’t read any of their books, I highly recommend you do. She writes in the style I love and hope to create myself. A girl can dream.

Do you want to see what I got at yesterday’s library haul?

Yes, that is a banned book you see. #GenderQueer #ReadBannedBooks

My last haul was just as good:

I was never the person who went to the public library. Don’t get me wrong, I always saw the value in them, but I collect books. Lots and lots of books. I need a whole lot more bookshelves for all these books. In fact, it never really dawned on me to read a book without keeping it. I have some that are almost 40 years old on my shelves. Some are classics, some are favorites, and some are like Rock Star by Jackie Collins (which I must admit I enjoyed all those years ago). Could I give away or sell some of the books? Well bless your heart for asking that question.

Note: I actually do still have a library book I took out in high school. It’s a collection of Emily Dickinson poems. It’s pink. Please don’t tell anyone because I probably can’t afford the 35+ year late fee.

To eRead or not to eRead

For a while I was into eBooks. They’re really great for reading in bed when your partner goes to sleep early and the light keeps them up.

But you know what you can’t do with eBooks? You can’t admire them. I mean you can, but seeing the covers on an eReader just isn’t the same.

Is listening to audiobooks really reading?

Yes. Period.

I’m currently listening to Cunk on Everything, narrated by Philomena Cunk herself. While I’m not finding it as great as Cunk in Earth because the interviews were amazing, I still highly recommend it.

Next please . . .

What are you reading?

What should I read next?