Tag Archives: gina howard

The work of writing

Posted on September 1, 2014 by ginachoward

Writing is both a labor of love and a lot of work. A Charlotte Writers’ Club author said in a recent club newsletter that the more time she allows to elapse between writing sessions, the harder it is for her … Continue reading →

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Ramping up the tension

Posted on August 25, 2014 by ginachoward

Some people thrive on conflict. I am not one of them. Actual and imagined confrontations leave my stomach in knots. Although conflict avoidance can make the real world more pleasant, it is the kiss of death in fiction, which requires … Continue reading →

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Endings

Posted on August 18, 2014 by ginachoward

Ah, the possibilities of beginnings!  Smorgasbords of plot potential and crackling climaxes. Endings? Necessary evils – often awkwardly awful termini, wrap-ups rushed like the “Sixty Minutes’” second hand ticking to the hour’s end. Endings tend to be as problematic in books … Continue reading →

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Departure

Posted on August 11, 2014 by ginachoward

Dark clouds on my horizon creep in with summer’s heat. Weighing me down, making me sluggish, Like July’s humidity.   Encompassing blackness looms inexorably closer. Dragging my soul, consuming my thoughts, As oppressive as August.   Hatless officers sowed seeds … Continue reading →

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Feast of words

Posted on August 4, 2014 by ginachoward

I love the sensory sensuality of words. All those anticipatory Ts standing at parade rest in attentive. That D bumping into the G in nudge. Euphoria just dares those outnumbered consonants to hold down its vowels. And there’s something inherently … Continue reading →

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In defense of failure

Posted on July 28, 2014 by ginachoward

The author of a recent New York Times opinion piece postulated that writers are “the real professionals” when it comes to failure. To support his premise, Stephen Merche ticks off writers such as Fitz-Greene Halleck, widely praised in their own … Continue reading →

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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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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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