Writerly Wednesday

(Are you sick of these yet?)

For subtle but mind-blowing genius, check out agent Donald Maass’s post on “The Inner Journey” at Writer Unboxed today:

A journey needn’t involve travel but it does enact a transformation. For a transformation to occur, two things are needed: outward events and inward change. Great novels use both.

Then over at the Divining Wand (which is a fabulous resource for learning about authors, particularly with new books coming out) Tanya Egan Gibson wrote about getting to know people through characters, and understanding real life through fiction. One of my favorite lines was:

“I can’t imagine a life without stories. But fiction, I think, is a means, not an end; a prescription, not a cure.”

Just 2 links today, folks. I’ve been crazy busy, both with work-work and with writing-work. Since Andy and I are on vacation all next week (first cruise for both of us!) I have been rushing around the office, trying to make sure everyone’s got what they need and the poor temp that’s covering for me won’t be up a paddle without a creek. Or whatever.

Meanwhile, I’m also off and running (or maybe jogging) on the new YA manuscript, and I love it. Looooove it. It’s fun and fresh and full of adventure. It is a joy to think about, and a joy to sit down and write. Even the rough patches, one of which I hit last night.

As for the blog, don’t you worry. I’ve lined up some AWESOME guest bloggers for next week. Want a hint? One has freckles, one plays origami with the earth, one is mighty with both pen and pencil, and one sets me straight in my own comments every. single. post.


13 responses to “Writerly Wednesday”

  1. Les Avatar

    Hmmm, the great mystery of the guest bloggers…

    I have a great WW for you actually, I should transcribe it when you get back.

  2. Sonja Avatar

    Er, I’m thinking I should be nicer in my comments. How about I stick to “Great post!”?

  3. Kristan Avatar

    Les-
    Ooo, now you’re the one setting up mystery! Can’t wait. :)

    Sonja-
    LOL! Nooo, please don’t! I always look forward to seeing what you’ve written. And you do, you keep me honest.

  4. Kimberly Franklin Avatar

    Have fun on your cruise! Sounds so fun. I’m so jealous. And thanks for the links, as always. :)

  5. Tanya Egan Gibson Avatar

    Thanks so much for linking to my guest post at The Divining Wand, Kristan! I hope you have a great vacation next week.

  6. Shari Avatar

    Isn’t that pure joy such an exhilarating, inspiring feeling? It makes me constantly remember why I fell in love with writing in the first place. So glad you’re having such a great time with the new manuscript!

    Have an amazing time on the cruise!! :-)

  7. Sarah Avatar

    Oh! I am so excited for your writing!! Joy!
    How can a blogger with freckles compete with one who plays origami with the earth? yikes!

  8. Kristan Avatar

    Shari-
    Yep, it’s the BEST.

    Sarah-
    I can’t wait for you to read it!! And LOL. I will refrain from weighing in on the “competition” I think.

  9. Alex Wilson Avatar

    I followed you home from your post on another blogsite. I like your comments and tone. I’ll be back.

  10. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks, Alex. :)

  11. Alex Wilson Avatar

    I know of your posts mainly from writerunboxed but have run into your comments elsewhere. How do you find time? Your comments are always thoughtful and appropriate and that takes some thoughtful contemplation, i.e., time. How many blogs to you try to keep up with and do you have any to recommend?

  12. Kristan Avatar

    Thanks! Yes, I am a little comment-crazy… My secret is Google Reader. It lets me follow all the blogs I’m interested in ONE place. Then I only have to click through if I have something to say; if not, I just keep scrolling to the next person’s newest post!

    Even so, I’m sort of at my breaking point with blogs. I try to keep my list “pruned” — blogs that don’t get updated, I delete. If there are two (or more) blogs that give the same information, I try to keep only the 1-2 that appeal to me the most. I weed my Reader list, you know?

    As for recommendations, I can pretty much recommend any of the blogs listed on my links page: http://kristanhoffman.com/links/ – the Authors & Writers section, especially. That list gets updated about once a month, so it’s a fairly accurate representation of what I’m reading now.

  13. Sherrie Petersen Avatar

    You always find great writing tips :)
    Have fun on your cruise!