Blog Chain

I’m honored that Donna Volkenannt  has invited me to be part of a blog chain to discuss my writing process. 

Donna Volkenannt was the first-place winner of the 2012 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Writing Award, and a top-ten finalist in the 2014 Erma Bombeck Global Human Interest award category. I’ve known her for several years, and not only is she a great writer, but a wonderful person who is a caring and supportive friend. She blogs at Donna’s Book Pub.com.

Here are my answers to Donna’s questions:

1. What am I working on?

Several articles that are in various stages of completion, including one on Jory Sherman and his role in the Beat Writers. I’m also putting together a talk for the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer’s Guild Conference this fall on getting your message across effectively in non-fiction. I’m always searching for blog content, and grading papers or speeches for my communications classes at St. Charles and St. Louis Community Colleges.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I try to bring a fresh perspective to my nonfiction by keeping the writing simple, clear and with a humorous slant, if possible. 

3. Why do I write what I do?

Everything I write is because I have a passion for it. I’ve written a couple of novels that still need editing, but everything comes from the need to answer a question, regardless of genre.

4. How does your writing process work?

I don’t have a particular process. I write when I can, and edit while I’m writing, and then again when I’m finished. I’m a night owl, but have recently been writing (a little) in the morning. And, I’ve been composing some sentences, thoughts and ideas on my iPhone. It’s always with me, like a notebook, so it’s a convenient way to record those short bursts of creativity that happen at the most unlikely times. 

5. The last step in this process is to invite two other authors to participate in the blog chain.

I hope that my writing friends and blogging buddies, Sheree Nielsen and Pat Wahler, will continue this blog chain. 

Sheree Nielsen is the author of Folly Beach Dances, a soon-to-be-published coffee table book that features the photography of Sheree and her husband, Russell, along with the poetry of many women writers (full disclosure) including me.

Pat Wahler is a grant writer by day and writer of essays and fiction by night. She is published in dozens of national and local venues and is a member of Missouri Writers Guild, Saturday Writers, and Coffee and Critique. Her work also appears in Folly Beach Dances. Her blog is Critter Alley.com. 

Thanks, Donna, for inviting me to participate in the blog chain.

Write soon,

Mary

More on titles

After my recent (Aug. 24) post about book titles, I’ve heard from a few friends who shared some of their favorites on the writing craft. Pat Wahler, who blogs at www.critteralley.blogspot.com , told our critique group about Naked, Drunk and Writing: Shed Your Inhibitions and Craft a Compelling Memoir or Personal Essay, by Adair Lara. She called it a great book on writing memoir.

Lara is a writing instructor and the author of more than ten books. She won the AP Award for Best Columnist in California for her weekly column in the San Francisco Chronicle. You can read an excerpt on Amazon.com.

Another one of my favorite books on writing with a great title is Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal – How to Have a Great Life as a Freelance Writer, by John Clausen. I discovered this book many years ago at my local library when my son attended a preschool program there. It’s one of those books written in a style that is comfortable and familiar, like a friend talking to you, but a smart friend who has lots of good information that is immediately pertinent and applicable.

So if you want some inspiration, check out these great books. Then tell me what you think, or add some others to the list!  

Write soon,

Mary