Some writers work for money. Some work for the sake of the art. But if there’s one thing just about all writers expect in return for their work, it’s credit. Unfortunately, this basic acknowledgement of a person’s contribution to the world isn’t always accorded to women. The French writer Colette’s first husband, after encouraging her to pursue writing, went ahead and took credit for her work. At one point, when she refused to write more stories for him, he locked her in a room with nothing but a typewriter. “Anonymous,” a published author, recounts how at a meeting in Hollywood with actors and a showrunner (all male), her story was casually taken, altered just enough, and used for their own benefit without consideration or credit to her. Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Sadly, these are only three examples of women not getting the credit they’re due. Cheers, Aspasía S. Further Reading The Life of French Writer Colette This Side of Plagiarism The First Flapper: Zelda Fitzgerald Matilda Effect.
This challenge was posted by Annelise Driscoll. 1. Copy and paste the questions into a blog post. 2. Answer the questions. 3. Leave a link to your post in the comments section below! Bonus! 1. City, all the way, especially in a city like Toronto, where we have tons of trees, green space, and wildlife– it’s the best of both worlds (my only complaint/regret is how few stars you can see at night because of all the light pollution). 2. Right now it’s the couch with my laptop, but anywhere comfortable and quiet will do. 3. My writing is fuelled by iced coffees and matcha lattes. 4. Silence. 5. Probably Pinterest. 6. At the moment it looks like a bunch of pieces, unfortunately. 7. Fiction is arranged alphabetically by author and then book title (although I will keep series in order, rather than sorting by title). 8.
I decided to go indie when I realized that being well known is more important to traditional publishers than being a good writer. 9. 10. How about you? Love Lies Bleeding Bleeding Heart. As with so many of my posts, this one is inspired by an article I read. In this case, the article shares advice on writing from famous writers. I don’t know about anyone else, but what I find most valuable about advice from other writers isn’t necessarily the advice itself (although it’s often helpful) but the chance to bond over writing, and to affirm that I’m doing something right.
Whether you enjoy the advice, the bonding, or the affirmations, here are some of the best tips from other writers, as well as a couple of my own… Get a Cat (Muriel Spark via her character Mrs. Hawkins, from A Far Cry From Kensington) As someone with three cats, I can’t argue with this advice 🙂 Cats are a source of joy, laughter, and purrs (and my lap cat makes sure I sit and focus). Stop While the Going Is Good (Ernest Hemingway) Stop while you’re on a roll and let your subconscious keep working on it until you start again. Writing Anything Is Better than Nothing (Katherine Mansfield) Just write. Cheers, As someone who’s moved enough times that I’ve lost count, I have plenty of experience in the unenviable task of moving a large book collection.
It’s easy enough to move books when you have only a few– you can tuck them in with other belongings, or pack a box or two. But what if you have hundreds or thousands? Get ready for a lot of work… Start Early Start packing your books as soon as you know you’ll be moving, because it’s a slower process than it seems. You’ll also need time to gather enough boxes and other packing materials. Sort As You Go Normally I would never advise getting rid of books, but when you have to move them, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Use the Right Boxes Size: I’ve had movers tell me that bigger, heavier (but fewer) boxes are preferable; others have complained about the weight after the first dozen or so. New or Recycled: Either is fine as long as they’re strong, clean, and dry. Packing Label Leave a Few Out In the Truck Store Them Tip Your Movers Unpacking.
The Only Poem This is the only poem I can read I am the only one can write it I didn’t kill myself when things went wrong I didn’t turn to drugs or teaching I tried to sleep but when I couldn’t sleep I learned to write I learned to write what might be read on nights like this by one like me. –Leonard Cohen This caught my eye as I was looking for a quote to share this week.
I find it charming, as well as a nice insight into writing. What do you think? Share in the comments… Cheers, Aspasía S. My Books Love Lies Bleeding Bleeding Heart *Blood Magic *Tooth & Claw (Links take you to all available stores. There are days (or weeks or months…) when the words don’t flow, the story no longer inspires, and it seems like no one cares about your writing, least of all you. Sometimes relentless malaise is a sign that maybe it’s time to reconsider your writing career.
But when you have no doubt that writing is where you belong, yet you’re still asking “what’s the point?” Maybe what you need are some words of advice and encouragement from others who’ve been where you are. Here’s what ten authors had to say about why you should keep going… “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” -Richard Bach “I know some very great writers, writers you love who write beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthusiastic and confident.
“Every writer I know has trouble writing.” “Finish the damn book. “A writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does is golden. 10 Authors on Not Quitting. Library Inspiration. If I weren’t involved with books or publishing, I’d be a decorator/interior designer (not sure I have the artistic skills for it, but I would try). I love putting a room together and my tastes are highly eclectic–everything from Gothic Revival and Art Nouveau to Amélie’s apartment and the Gryffindor common room. I’m drawn to spaces that are comfortable, warm, colourful, and with some whimsy. In my own home, most rooms need to include books too. Minimalism? No thanks. I thought I’d share some pictures of home libraries I find inspiring.
I love the cozy feel of Vita Sackville-West’s library. Bookcase art, flowers, and comfy couch inspiration here: Floor-to-ceiling books and an old-fashioned library ladder–these are my goals. So many books… This is just the definition of cozy. Happy colours, orchids, and built-in shelves. Based on the way the shelves are set up, this is probably a bookstore, but I don’t care. Cozy and comfortable. Everything about this. Can’t get enough books? Bleeding Heart. As we head into the holiday season, it seems like a good time to post something fun. I snagged this from A.M. Molvik’s Ramblings. Feel free to share on your own blog (leave me a comment to let me know if you do). Enjoy… 1. Unfortunately, yes. 2. James Joyce. 3. This is a bizarre question, like asking someone to choose between ice cream or a painting of Elvis on black velvet.
I’m going with Harry Potter, but since HP needs no defending, here are 3 reasons why everyone should forget about Twilight already: 1. 2. 3. UPDATE: My opinion on Twilight hasn’t changed, but my opinion of Harry Potter sure has, thanks to JK Rowling’s horrible anti-trans rantings. 4. If I bring a book along, I usually just hold it (unless it’s small enough to fit in my purse). 5.
Not really; I think I’m immune to book smell. UPDATE: I finally get book smell! 6. Illustrations are always fun, but not necessary. 7. A lot of books I read as a kid. 8. The really funny part might be that I still have it. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 5 Famous Authors' Drafts. Although readers are generally interested in a writer’s final product, it can be interesting to see the early process.
Drafts can be funny, surprising, and illuminating. For example… Joseph Conrad’s preface to Victory: Conrad had trouble deciding on the right wording to convey his meaning in this preface. He was hesitant about using the word “victory” in relation to World War 1, and he couldn’t decide whether he was worried about “misleading,” “deceiving” or another word I can’t make out (any guesses?) Sylvia Plath’s outline for The Bell Jar: This outline was written two years before The Bell Jar was published. Marcel Proust’s draft of Remembrance of Things Past: Shirley Hazzard’s draft for The Great Fire: Both Proust and Hazzard show that, no matter the time period, the first draft is never the final draft. Mark Twain’s notebook: My early drafts aren’t this interesting, but the final products are worth a read! Would you want to see your favourite author’s early drafts and notes? Cheers, 5 Famous Authors' Drafts. 10 Stunning Writer's Homes. I love old houses (old buildings in general, actually).
While I can appreciate the practical benefits of a new house, they leave me, well, bored. Old houses have style. They have personality. They have soul. Throw in a resident writer and you’ve got a house worth living in (or at least visiting). Here are 10 writers’ houses that are worth checking out… Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, England: The cottage where Thomas Hardy was born. Galmpton, Devon, England: Greenway Estate, home to Agatha Christie, was designated a World Heritage Site in 2004. Danville, California, USA: Eugene O’Neill wrote The Iceman Cometh and Long Day’s Journey Into Night at Tao House. Rodmell, East Sussex, England: Not only is Monk’s House where Virginia Woolf worked on Mrs. Amherst, Massachusetts, USA: With a house like this, I can understand why Emily Dickinson was a recluse. Nohant, Indre, France: More gorgeous French style at George Sand’s home.
Love reading? What’s your favourite writer’s home? Cheers, Aspasía S. 10 Stunning Writers' Homes. Writers and Dogs. Last year I posted about Writers and Cats, a combination that seems as natural as pen and paper. But just because cats and writers are inextricably linked in most people’s minds, doesn’t mean that dogs aren’t equally ideal writing partners. Judging from all the books about dogs out there, they’re just as inspiring as cats. Poems have also been written about dogs, including this one by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. And no one can dispute that dogs are excellent companions, keeping writers company in their lonely work and getting them out of the house once in a while. “When an eighty-five pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit on your lap, it’s hard to feel sad.” Here are a few dog-loving writers and their pups… Cuddling pets and reading is the perfect combination ♥ Download my books now (links follow)!
What do you think? Cheers, Aspasía S. Love Lies Bleeding Bleeding Heart *Blood Magic *Tooth & Claw (Links take you to all available stores. Further Reading Literary Pets. Writers and Dogs. Writers are known to have an affinity for cats, so much so that books have been written on the topic (the latest is Writers and their Cats by Alison Nastasi). As a cat lover, I get the appeal. Cats are good company, generally unobtrusive, frequently entertaining, and the perfect distraction when you need a few minutes away from the keyboard. If you’re lucky enough to have a lap cat, they’ll make sure you get work done by helpfully pinning you in place for hours (and they keep you warm too).
My home would feel pretty sad and empty without my three furbabies. Cats can also provide literary inspiration, especially to poets. Mirrors are not more silentnor the creeping dawn more secretive;in the moonlight, you are that pantherwe catch sight of from afar.By the inexplicable workings of a divine law,we look for you in vain;More remote, even, than the Ganges or the setting sun,yours is the solitude, yours the secret.Your haunch allows the lingeringcaress of my hand. Do you have cats? Cheers, Writers and Cats. Writers and Cats. Writers and Cats.
Writers' Advice on Writing [Article] As with so many of my posts, this one is inspired by an article I read. In this case, the article shares advice on writing from famous writers. I don’t know about anyone else, but what I find most valuable about advice from other writers isn’t necessarily the advice itself (although it’s often helpful) but the chance to bond over writing, and to affirm that I’m doing something right. Whether you enjoy the advice, the bonding, or the affirmations, here are some of the best tips from other writers, as well as a couple of my own… Get a Cat (Muriel Spark via her character Mrs. As someone with three cats, I can’t argue with this advice 🙂 Cats are a source of joy, laughter, and purrs (and my lap cat makes sure I sit and focus).
Stop While the Going Is Good (Ernest Hemingway) Stop while you’re on a roll and let your subconscious keep working on it until you start again. Writing Anything Is Better than Nothing (Katherine Mansfield) Just write. Some advice of my own: Take up needlepoint. Cheers, Short answer: not really. But it also depends on what you want out of it. If you spend any time around the internet, you’re bound to come across at least one headline declaring that blogging is dead (those headlines have been around for years at this point). As a writer and long-time blogger (you may have seen my other blogs, Blood Lines and Whimsy Bower)*, this causes me some anxiety. But is there any truth to the rumours? *[11/25 Update: After a too-long hiatus, I’ve recently updated and revived Whimsy Bower! Feel free to check it out. From my research on the topic, if your aim is to earn a living solely from traditional blogging (that is, written articles on specific topics), you might want to hang on to your day job.
On the other hand, if you’re a writer who wants to share your work (and maybe market your books while you’re at it), carry on. If you’re concerned your blog isn’t getting as much of an audience as it should, you can do a few things to help: Promote it on social media. Another tag snagged from the lovely blog A.M. Molvik’s Ramblings If you’ve ever wondered about what it’s like to be a writer (or what I do), this post is for you. 1. What type of writing do you do? Over the years I’ve written pretty much everything, from magazine articles to poetry to blog posts to novels. If I had to choose only one type, though, it would be novels. I have a lot of stories inside me, waiting to come to life. 2. My writing is a mix of literary fiction, gothic fiction, and fantasy, with hints of horror and magical realism. 3.
I started when I was about six and never really stopped (although there were a few long breaks). 4. Yes! 5. The first story I wrote (when I was around six) was a tale of woe about a flower that doomed anyone (in this case, Mary, Queen of Scots, although I have no idea how I knew about her) who picked it. 6. I don’t feel I have much of a choice. 7. You find time for the things that are important to you. 8. 9. 10. Silence. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 19. §. The Sexism that Writers Endure.
Women in Writing. Literary Cafes. When Publishers Pass You By. Literary Cafes.