Author Archives: ginachoward

Characters writing themselves

Posted on July 21, 2014 by ginachoward

After my critique group gave me a not-too-subtle push to get on the stick and write, I did. My first chapter is finished (first draft, anyway), and I started the second. It feels good. One of the most enjoyable things about … Continue reading →

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Back to work

Posted on July 14, 2014 by ginachoward

I got some tough love from my critique group last week. After making suggestions on how to improve my submission, they gave me their strongest comments: No more work on the house, no more trips, no more slacking off. Get back … Continue reading →

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No sunglasses required

Posted on June 24, 2014 by ginachoward

Thoughts walking the beach on a cloudy, cool day We are the seekers. The stone skippers looking for one more hop to shatter the lake’s glass. The hunters after increasingly elusive Petoskey stones. The pilgrims yearning for respite, refreshment. We … Continue reading →

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Paradise (with the occasional snake)

Posted on June 16, 2014 by ginachoward

A slash of red is the only reminder that a family once lived on this strip of green. The house and the children that played tag in its backyard are long gone. The property has more value – at least … Continue reading →

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Patience

Posted on June 9, 2014 by ginachoward

As if writing weren’t difficult enough. Each time I copy or cut my prose, Word balks. Actually, it more than balks. It shuts down. If you’re a parent of a teen, you are probably familiar with this routine. A sulky/defiant/recalcitrant/stubborn … Continue reading →

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Worth of a word

Posted on June 2, 2014 by ginachoward

What is a word worth? As any teacher can tell you, the inflated essays of students stretching towards their word count are very, very, very (497, 498, 499) ineffective (500!). The Gettysburg Address came in at about 272 (depending on … Continue reading →

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On fire

Posted on May 26, 2014 by ginachoward

I faced the room of orange jumpsuits. We began where we had left off a week earlier, by composing a landay, the two-line poem of nine and 13 syllables favored by Afghan Pashtuns. Actually, three class members began where we … Continue reading →

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Call in the professionals

Posted on May 19, 2014 by ginachoward

I’ve been watching way too much HGTV. The pros come in and, despite unexpected construction challenges and indecisive homeowners, they completely renovate houses in a matter of months. They make perfection look easy. Inspired, I decided to tackle my bedroom … Continue reading →

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Escape in writing

Posted on May 5, 2014 by ginachoward

“Some of you are here because you want to become better writers,” I said, as eight pairs of eyes evaluated me. “Some are here because you just wanted something to do.” A few heads nodded. They were giving me the … Continue reading →

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Jettisoning the flotsam

Posted on April 28, 2014 by ginachoward

Over the years, I have accumulated a lot of treasures. Some might call it junk. Years ago, my visiting parents noted that my living area could use additional light and more places to sit. When they downsized, I inherited a … Continue reading →

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