Diane Sherlock
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Since I’m having some trouble writing today, I may as well share some links on that nemesis of the writer, Procrastination! (fanfare) Look, 7 timeless tips! Task and environmental strategies (uh huh) eHow also has 7 (what’s this lucky number business?) Writer’s block or procrastination? Slate takes on Ellison and Capote. They went so far…
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Laurie Hutzler breaks down characters according to 9 types. She has a free ebook and newsletter on her site. Her emphasis is on film and television, but characters are characters and this is one approach. Another piece of advice is in the current issue of Poets & Writers magazine. Benjamin Percy discusses the Geometry of…
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First, I issue my disclaimer: I’m not much of a drinker and I don’t drink and write. However, if you want to read about drinking or drink and read about drinking, Book Soup’s blog has put together a list here. If you’re in L.A., they also have a happy hour weekdays from 4pm to 7pm:…
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Realized this as I updated Twitter and Facebook this morning, that I’m being too easy on my characters. It’s time to mix it up and get them in trouble. One scene was entirely too pedestrian (he did that and then he did this, blahblahand blah!). The challenge is how and also reveal character at the…
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There’s material all around us for short stories and novels. Here are 5 different takes on Ruth Madoff and other clueless wives. I haven’t been following as closely as when the story first broke, but it’s entirely possible she did not know. It never fails to amaze me how people see what they want to…
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“Sit down and put down everything that comes into your head and then you’re a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff’s worth, without pity, and destroy most of it.” — Sidonie Gabrielle Collette
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Here’s what I’m reading this summer: About a Boy, Nick Hornby Skinny Dip, Carl Hiaasen Birds of America, Lorrie Moore The Secret History, Donna Tartt Code of the Woosters, PG Wodehouse (may substitute My Man Jeeves) Cold Comfort Farm, Stella Gibbons Columbine, Dave Cullen The Hours, Michael Cunningham Since I’m writing a dark comedy, I…
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Quick shout out to Gogosha Optique Best experience getting glasses EVER!
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Been thinking more about the need to shock in fiction. Watched Sydney Pollack’s doc “Sketches of Frank Gehry” last night. Pollack said, and I’m paraphrasing, that he thought of talent as “liquid trouble.” The trick was to let it seep out in productive and creative ways, to use the talent. Also made the point that…
Diane Sherlock 