The Archives
2013 | May 16
Making a Difference, the Malcolm London Way
“
Just because you're young, it doesn't mean you're voiceless. Go on. Go make a difference ...”
14
Chris Crutcher: Ask a Wise Man: On Dropping Out of School
“
I recently discovered Chris Crutcher's awesome Ask a Wise Man YouTube series. Mr. Crutcher has written ...”
| Apr 29
Tavi Gevinson: Still Figuring it Out
“
Bio from the TEDxTeen:
Tavi Gevinson is editor-in-chief and founder of RookieMag.com and writes thestylerookie.com. Rookie, ...”
| Feb 19
TEDTalk: Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius
“<httpv://youtu.be/86x-u-tz0MA>I love Elizabeth Gilbert's TEDTalk on 'Your Elusive Creative Genius.' If you need some creative ...”
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2011 | Oct | Sep 17
Steve Jobs: Connect the Dots, Do What You Love, Follow Your Heart and Intuition
“Steve Jobs is quite an interesting man. Whether you like what he's done or not, you ...”
1 comments 05 | Aug | Jul | Jun | May 31 30 28
Introduction to The Hero's Journey
2 comments
27
Writing: It's ALL About Plot Outlines
2 comments
25 24
Another Day, Another Step Forward
1 comments
23 18 08 01 | Apr | Feb 14
A Valentine's Wish for You
1 comments
11
Perfecting My Rebel Yell
7 comments
05 01
Writing Tip: Hold Fast to Your Imagination
4 comments
| Jan 26
Summoning the Plot Ninjas...Want One?
12 comments
19 13
Writing: Baby Steps Gone Wild
5 comments
10
Inspiration Monday: A New Year, A New Slate
2 comments
06 | |||
2010 | Dec 28 10 09 08 06 | Nov 30 29 16 08
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: When the Familiar Becomes Not So
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"Mom, are you sure we're going the right way?"
Thanks to Wonder Girl, this one question ...”
2 comments 05 04
Writing Tool: The Joy of Scrivener
“
You guys! Have you seen Scrivener 2.0 for the Mac? I HEART Scrivener and this ...”
4 comments 03 | Oct 22
Friday Five: What I Learned From My Three Day Novel Experiment
“
Man. I hoped all of you would have forgotten about my Three Day Novel Experiment ...”
11 comments 18
The Nature of Experiments
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Sometimes they work. And, sometimes they fail.
Of course it's been over a month since I ...”
16 comments | Aug 16
In Which I Get Productive and Throw the Green-Eyed Monster to the Curb
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...in other words, I've started my Three Day Novel. And guess what? I've decided not ...”
5 comments 03 | Jul 31 29
Research, It's All in the Details: The Three Day Novel Experiment
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Details are really important to me. I’ve interrupted writing sprees to research the little things, ...”
2 comments 28 27 01
Here's to the Crazy Ones: Think Different
2 comments
| Jun 23 17 11
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Persistence
8 comments
08
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Character Motivation
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When I was in college, I loved hanging out in front of the main student ...”
14 comments 06
Writing Inspiration: Look Fear in the Eye
3 comments
04
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Character Angst: It's All About Emotion, Baby
“Call it the winter doldrums, middle age crisis, the endless repetition of life. Maybe it's ...”
03 | May | Apr | Mar 30 24 22 15
Day 32: Mapping Out Writing Time: Create a Great Setting and Sunday Winners
“A few people participated in yesterday's spontaneous It's a Sunday, Daylight Savings Time, Rainy Day ...”
5 comments 12
Day 31: Mapping Out Writing Time: Finding Inspiration When You Least Expect It
“I recently went to my doctor's office for a routine exam. Even though I love ...”
3 comments | Feb | Jan 31 20
Writing Inspiration: Becoming a Writer by Junot Diaz
“"You see, in my view a writer is a writer not because she writes well ...”
9 comments 15 11 05
Day 26: Mapping Out Writing Time: Visualize Your Goal and Work Toward It
“"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to ...”
10 comments | |
2009 | Dec 23
Day 25: Mapping Out Writing Time: When the Familiar Becomes Not So
“"Mom, are you sure we're going the right way?" With this one question, a new ...”
4 comments 22
Day 24: Mapping Out Writing Time: Staying the Course, Even When Others Don't Believe
“"Mom, I forgot to mail my letter to Santa!" Spy Girl flew into the kitchen ...”
4 comments 11
Day 23: Mapping Out Writing Time: The Double-Edged Sword
“Life seems to get in the way of my writing. The flu, three children, a ...”
7 comments 10 03
Writing Tip: Annie Dillard and the Writing Life by Alexander Chee
“You must read this incredible essay by Alexander Chee.It will change the way you look ...”
2 comments | Nov | Oct 29
Day 20: Mapping Out Writing Time: Offering an Olive Branch
“Thanks, Everyone, for your comments on last week's post. Man, it was a tough few ...”
27 26 20
Day 17: Mapping Out Writing Time: Not Fitting In
“Today is a half-day of school and it figures I will be without Sophie, my ...”
15
Day 16:Mapping Out Writing Time: Look Fear in the Eye
“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.- Dorothy ThompsonYou gain ...”
| Sep 28 25 24 21 17
Day 11:Mapping Out Writing Time: Unexpected Surprises
“If you didn't have a chance to stop by the readergirlz chat with Kristin Cashore ...”
16 14 11 10
Day 6: Mapping Out Writing Time: Dangle the Carrot
“Sometimes, no matter how good the intentions, you need a little bit of a nudge--a ...”
09 08
Day 4: Mapping Out Writing Time: Empowerment
“I've decided it's time to change Princess Rock Star's name, to send her some empowerment ...”
05 04
Day 2: Mapping Out Writing Time: I Don't Want To Blues
“Spy Girl and Ninja Girl had a great first day of school yesterday. They're happy ...”
03
Day 1: Mapping Out Writing Time: First Day Jitters
“Today was tough. I broke down. As much as I couldn't wait for the girls ...”
01
Mapping Out Writing Time: The Early Bird Gets the Worm
“So, rather than start my 30 day writing spree tomorrow, when the kids start school, ...”
| Aug 31 29 28
Five on a Friday
“1. I've had a glorious Cape Cod vacation, despite family craziness and all. Seems it's ...”
21
Five Things on a Friday
“It's been so long since I last posted, I fear I've lost my blogging touch. ...”
12
Writing Tip: Write Something Down...Anything
“and you'll find yourself writing silly nonsense like this:How many words can a writer write ...”
09
Writing Confession #5
“I can revise a sentence a hundred times and not tire of it.The trick is ...”
| Jul 14
Writing Question: Satisfactory Book Endings
“I've read a couple books over the past week--a true treat. I'm not going to ...”
| Jun 20
In Which I Read Chapter One from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
“I've been toying with the idea of recording my own audiobooks for my children's listening ...”
09
The Summer Revision Smackdown Spotlight is, gulp, on me!
“I have the honor of being in the Summer Revision Smackdown Spotlight today. I'm talking ...”
04 | May 29 28
Writing Tips from Editors and Agents
“Confused about which POV to use when writing your story? Alan Rinzler has the Best ...”
It's All About the FINAL Revision
“Summer vacation starts in a little less than 30 days. I need to focus and ...”
22 19 06
Writing Tip: About Literary Agents
“The author/agent relationship is a mystery to me. Thanks to the beauty of the Internet ...”
05 04 01 | Apr 13
Writing Question: Thoughts on Prologues
“I've been toying around with adding a prologue to my YA manuscript. But have wondered ...”
06 04 | Mar 25
Virtual Time Suck is Not My Friend
“The internet is a virtual time suck. Sad to say, it offers too much of a ...”
23 19
Writing Tip: A Podcast with Beth Kephart
“Set aside quiet time and listen to Beth Kephart's interview with Barbara DeMarco-Barrett. This is ...”
Writing Tip: Nathan Bransford on What Do Your Characters Want?
“This is brilliant.© 2007 - 2010 HipWriterMama - All Rights Reserved.
© 2007 - 2010 Vivian ...”
17 12
Writing Tips: Links
“Scott Westerfeld's writing advice: Hairy FruitCheryl Klein's take on voice: FAQ #9 (I Think): Questions ...”
10
In Which I Embarrass Myself...
“and find myself writing the first chapter of a new book. Who knew humiliation would be ...”
09 08
A Big Thank You
“to Sherrie and Beth, for checking in and showing their kindness. It has meant more ...”
Writing Tip: In Which I Escape...
“from the slump I'm in. Call it the winter doldrums, middle age crisis, the endless ...”
| Feb 24 19
Writing Tip: More Links to Read and Savor
“Of Plot Threads and Sub Plots by R.L. LaFeversWrite the High Concept Hook via Query ...”
Writing Tip: Links to Read and Savor
“I've been away from my computer for three days, so I need to catch up ...”
14
Memories, Books and Love for Valentine's Day
“Well, it's here. Valentine's Day. We're supposed to be all red and pink and swirly ...”
09 | Jan 28 24 21
Choose Hope Over Fear...
“Hmmm...seems this also applies to following our dreams, does it not?Let's get working!© 2007 - ...”
20
What a Momentous Day This Is!!!
“I've been up since 2 in the morning and haven't been able to sleep. ...”
15
Writing Confession #4
“I like using need to use SHARP pointed pencils or FINE point pens to write notes ...”
11 07
Inspiration Word: RESILIENT
“RESILIENT. That's my word/theme of the year. I will be resilient.When it comes to my ...”
03 |
2008 “So far so good!” | Dec 31
Start Off The New Year With Some Inspiration
“Now, this is what I'm talking about! Thanks to Lorie Ann Grover for sharing ...”
29 28
Writing Confession #3
“When I am involved in a story, I enter what my husband calls THE ZONE. ...”
27
Writing Confession
“Details are really important to me. I've interrupted writing sprees to research the little things ...”
24 18 17
Writing Inspiration: Visualize Your Goal
“Visualize your goal. Keep it front and center. Tell some trusted friends and family about ...”
16
Look Fear in the Eye and Get to Work
“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.- Dorothy ThompsonYou gain ...”
15
Inspiration Monday: Time to Hunker Down
“One-and-a-half weeks left before winter break and the kids will be home, home, home for ...”
12
I've been 16'd
“Becky Levine 16'd me last week on FaceBook, and I figured I'd post this on ...”
| Nov 24
Inspiration Monday: Crankin' Out the Words, the 5K Way
“No time for slouching today. It's Maniacal Monday! I only have today and tomorrow to ...”
21 20
A 5K Challenge
“Uh-oh. Guess what I committed to and kind of forgot because of the WBBT? ...”
19 18 17 10
Inspiration Monday: Getting Back on Track
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.-Johann Wolfgang ...”
07 06 | Oct 27
Writing Quotes: The Wisdom of Albert Einstein
“I'll admit it. I find Albert Einstein fascinating. This controversial genius's opinion was sought ...”
22
That's Some Makeover...
“This takes the cake. While our national economy is going haywire, the Republican National Party ...”
19 17 02
Writing Tip: The Multi-Faceted Character: Character Motivations, Part II
“Last week, I wrote about fleshing out character motivations. This week, I'm going to step ...”
| Sep 26
Writing Tip: Fleshing out Character Motivation, Part I
“When I was in college, I loved hanging out in front of the main student ...”
06
Five on a Friday: It's Goal Setting Time!
“One of my critique buddies, Patty Palmer, likes to start her "New Year" in September, ...”
| Aug 20
The Amethyst Initiative to Lower the Drinking Age
“College presidents seek to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 in the hopes ...”
13
My New Favorite Gadget
“Have you seen this? It's my new favorite gadget. The problem is, it's so easy ...”
11
Reaching for Olympic Gold
“Holy Moly! Have you been watching the Olympics? The kids and I have been transfixed ...”
Scientists, Physics and the Magic of Invisibility Cloaks
“This is so cool. While the possibility of a real "invisibility cloak" has been around ...”
10
Reading Musts for Writers: Boys, Books and Reading
“An article about boys and books made it to the front page of Friday's Wall ...”
09
New Ideas Brewing, But...
“I have a problem. I have yet another idea for a new manuscript, and now ...”
08
Poetry Friday: Ah....Love, Sweet Love
“Romeo enters the Capulet's orchard and sees Juliet in her window...But, soft! what light through ...”
05
Lyrical Writing vs Purple Prose
“For all you readers and writers out there, when do you consider writing as lyrical/beautiful? ...”
03 | Jul 25 24
I Can Do Anything You Can Do...Girls Rock on Math!
“Math study finds girls are just as good as boys. Oh, yeah. © 2007 - ...”
23
Er...I'll have Electric Pink With That...
“Have you heard about this? Fish nibbling dead skin off toes pedicure....© 2007 - ...”
20
Writing Tip: In Search of Rare Books for Research
“I found a copy of a rare book from the nineteenth century that provides much ...”
19 18 17
Writing Tip: Critique Etiquette Basics
“Unless you've decided to go the professional critique route, if you've joined a critique/writing group, you'll ...”
16
Writing Tip: Finding the Right Critique Group
“If you've decided you're ready to take the plunge to find a critique group, you're ...”
Inspiration: Dara Torres, 41-Year-Old Olympic Swimmer Breaks Record
“Forty-somethings never looked so good. Dara Torres, a nine-time Olympic medal winner, is headed to ...”
15
Writing Tip: Are You Ready for Critique?
“Last week, I wrote a post on critiques. Since then, a few readers have e-mailed me ...”
10
Writing Tip: Critiques: A Role Reversal of Sorts
“Yesterday, I set foot for the first time on the well-heeled grounds of an exclusive ...”
02 | Jun 23
Inspiration Monday Quotes
“But there is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. ...”
19 17 16
The Horn Book, An Honor, and a Newsletter
“I am honored. My blog is mentioned, among some others that you may know, in ...”
12
Harry Potter's Hero's Journey
“Suzanne pointed out in this introductory post about The Hero's Journey, the Harry Potter books ...”
09
Inspiration Monday: J.K. Rowling's Commencement Address at Harvard
“"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that ...”
Me Too
“Check out Kelly's post, I'm With Them. Oh, yeah. Me too.© 2007 - 2010 HipWriterMama ...”
08
I Wave the White Flag...
“If there could be an award for world's fewest pages read for Mother Readers' 48 ...”
06
Revision Quotes
“"Writing is rewriting. A writer must learn to deepen characters, trim writing, intensify scenes. ...”
04 | May 28
It Hurts...
“"Mom, you know when I move my foot like this?" Child twists foot in strange ...”
27 22 20 19
Beauty and the Tween
“I saw this on Good Morning America today and I'm in shock. It appears the ...”
16
Poetry Friday: Shakespeare, Sonnet LIII (Sonnet 53)
“I love Shakespeare. He is a total master of the written word. This particular sonnet ...”
15
Some Things About Me Meme
“I've been tagged for a meme by Two Writing Teachers. I just found out Elaine ...”
14
Food Allergies, Awareness and Gratitude
“This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week and I'd like to take a moment to ...”
12 10
In the Know: Gas Prices
“You know it's bad when you drive around town, gas meter hovering empty, and you ...”
09
Writing Tip: Character Motivations
“What is it about school talent show auditions that will get even the quietest of ...”
08
Writing Tip: More on Plotting
“Yesterday, I wrote about the importance of plot outlines. Writers were kind to leave comments ...”
06
Writing Tip: Plotting Your Novel
“Yesterday, I wrote an Inspiration Monday post about breaking goals into manageable chunks. If you're a ...”
05
Inspiration Monday: Take One Step at a Time
“It's been a few weeks since I wrote a real Inspiration Monday post. I've been ...”
| Apr 29
Helpful Writing Links
“I just found these and thought I'd share.Query Shark (via Nathan Bransford)Buried in the Slushpile's One ...”
25 24
I Survived...
“an eleven hour drive with three children, who were more interested in creating noise than ...”
13
Frogs and Evolution
“When I was a kid, I used to hang out near this teeny, tiny, trickle ...”
11
Poetry Friday: A Crown of Sonnets
“Have you read this yet? Cutting a Swath: A Crown Sonnet by Sara Lewis Holmes, ...”
10
The Alice Project...Helping Girls Learn to Program in a 3D Environment
“This is so cool. Randy Pausch, Professor of Carnegie Mellon University started The Alice Project ...”
| Mar 31
Inspiration Monday: Share Your Good News
“Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered ...”
26
Are Books Recession-Proof?
“I found this recent article in Publisher's Weekly. I'm going to remain optimistic and veer ...”
24
Inspiration Monday: Embrace the Possibilities
“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps ...”
19
The Perplexity of the Narrative Point of View
“Remember the historical novel I've been writing? I submitted a few chapters to my on-line ...”
17 12 07 05
Writing Tip: Know Your Audience
“Jacqueline Wilson, an award-winning English author of children's books who has sold over 20 million ...”
04
Writing Exercise: In Which I Start Decluttering...
“to think about what kind of house my MG protagonist lives in. Does he ...”
| Feb 29 27 25 23
You Know it's Time for School to Start Again When...
“four-year-old walked over and asked, "When are my sisters going back to school?" The other ...”
22 20 19 18
You Know You Have Their Attention When...
“21 first graders miss five minutes of recess and don't mind a bit.I still can't ...”
12
Need Creative Ideas....for 1st Grade Book Talk
“I'm a little stumped stressed thrilled. I was just helping my first grader's classroom celebrate ...”
08
Poetry Friday: Christopher Marlowe's Hero and Leander
“For those who believe in love at first sight, here's part of a love epyllion ...”
06
Writing Tip: Finish Your Manuscript so You Can Go on School Visits
“Stuck on your manuscript? Read this pep talk from Neil Gaiman. And then, get your ...”
01 | Jan 31
Oh, My!
“Check out the final count for Nathan Bransford's Surprisingly Essential First Page Challenge. All I ...”
30
The Real Deal on Dinner Preparation
“Are any of you familiar with 30 Minute Meals? You're supposed to be able to ...”
28
Nathan Bransford is a Brave Man
“Look at Nathan Bransford's new contest. The Surprisingly Essential First Page Challenge. Deadline is Wednesday ...”
25 24
In Which I Finally Did It...
“I mailed out a check yesterday for my first writing retreat. Since the weekend was ...”
22 16
Writing Tip: Know When it's Time to Change Your Story
“"There are some books which refuse to be written. They stand their ground year after ...”
12 10
You're the Meanest Mom in the World!
“Have you ever called your Mom, or have your children ever called you the Meanest ...”
08
Writing Tip: Make a Great First Impression
“Let's face it. Good impressions are important. Some people may claim it's superficial and unfair. ...”
Having the Last Word
“Think you're having a bad day? Embrace what life has to offer you and read ...”
03 |
2007 “In Which I Start Blogging...” | Dec 22 21 20 19
Writer's Notebook Wednesday: Take Yourself Seriously
“Two Writing Teachers are hosting today's Writer's Notebook Wednesday. Haven't heard of it? Here's what ...”
17
Inspiration Monday: Take Yourself Seriously into the New Year
“I love New Year's. There's something about saying farewell to the old and greeting the ...”
13 10 03
Inspiration Monday: Our Deepest Fear
“Our Deepest Fearby Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.Our deepest ...”
01 | Nov | Oct 26 24 20 18 16
Day Two of Robert's Snow Illustrator Highlights
“Today is Day Two of the Robert's Snow Illustrator Highlights. Go over and visit these ...”
15 06 | Sep 26 20
More Books on Cliques, Friendship and Self Esteem
“We're already halfway through September and hopefully by now, all the children out there have ...”
19
If You Want to Know More About Me....
“If you want to know more about me...then head on over to 7-Imp. Jules and ...”
Cliques, Friendships and Self-Esteem
“Note: Now that school has started again, I thought I'd repost this for those who ...”
16 05
A Blessing: Anticipation for a New Beginning
“My eldest child is counting down the moments until she is a third grader. Literally. ...”
| Aug 27 15
SBBT: Best Reads With Vegemite! Some Australian and New Zealand Authors
“Earlier this summer, the SBBT, brainchild of Colleen Mondor, launched the first multi blog author ...”
06
Inspiration Monday: Honor Yourself Day
“"The shortest and surest way to live with honor in this world is to be ...”
02
Writing Tip: A Short Study of Harry Potter
“Okay, okay. So you're all ahead of me already and have finished the last HP ...”
| Jul 23
Inspiration Monday: Take Yourself Seriously
“How many of you let other people know what your dreams are? Or do you ...”
22 16
Inspiration Monday: Take Time for Yourself
“Summer is a time I'd like to think would be slow and relaxing, but I've ...”
09
Inspiration Monday: Be Persistent
“I am in constant awe of my children. For any of you who have ...”
02
Inspiration Monday: Looking Fear in the Eye
“Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live.- Dorothy ThompsonYou gain ...”
| Jun | May 25
Poetry Friday: Girl Power, At What Price?
“Caged Birdby Maya Angelou A free bird leapson the back of the windand floats downstreamtill ...”
07
Inspiration Monday: Get Resourceful
“Yesterday was the best day of the week. Plenty of sun, fresh air, and lots ...”
06
A Sunday's List: Cliques, Friendships and Self-Esteem
“A friend of mine has been concerned with how the girls in her daughter's second ...”
01
Interview with Author Dominique Paul, Part Two
“Thanks for coming back to read Part Two of my interview with Dominique Paul, author ...”
| Apr 30
Inspiration Monday: An Interview with Author Dominique Paul
“For this Inspiration Monday, I thought it'd be fun sharing a recent interview I had ...”
16
Inspiration Monday: I've Got My Mission Statement...Now What?
“By now, most of you should have your mission statement written down. The deadline for ...”
09
Inspiration Monday: Oh, The Places You'll Go!
“I discovered Dr. Seuss's book, Oh, The Places You'll Go!, when it first came out ...”
02
What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?
“Here's my challenge to you for this Rejection Mope-jection Monday. Think about your dreams with ...”
| Mar 26
Rejection Mope-jection Monday: Visualize Your Goal
“My lovely eight year old is a force to be reckoned with. All my kids ...”
14
Confidence Building for My Food Allergic Child
“My middle child was diagnosed with food allergies when she was almost 4 months old. ...”
| Feb 21
Guess How Many Reading Levels There Are?
“Franki from A Year of Reading generously offered some advice in response to my post ...”
20
Frustration with Children's Early Reading Books
“The books in my second grader's classroom are rated on a scale of G, H, ...”
| Jan 30
Maintaining Focus and Hope in the Odd Couple Wars
“Author Lisa Yee is so cool. Plus she has a smile that lights up a ...”
10
Food, Food Allergies and a Sometimes Resentful Sister
“Food is simply fuel for our bodies. We just need a little bit of it ...”
|
Vivian Lee Mahoney
Consider yourself warned: I write books about rebels. I'm also a postergirlz for readergirlz, a literary advisory group for teens. Who knew going back to the teenage years would be so rewarding?
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