As writers, we talk a lot about our need to cultivate empathy, toward our subjects, our characters, our readers, our world. But what does that mean, exactly?
I could give you a long-winded definition, but instead, let’s just take a look at “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks: Continue reading “Cultivating Empathy”
Like a lot of great stories, Jon Larsen’s life-changer began in a moment so mundane, most of us would have forgotten it. Before breakfast one morning, Larsen wiped down the table til it was spotless, then turned back a second later to see a spot, “a shiny little speck that hadn’t been there before.” Continue reading “Searching for Stardust”
“How do you do it? How do writers write those beautiful, original lines? So original they stay with you, change you, and make you see yourself and the world differently?”
Lately, my friend and student Refugia has been revising her work, raking through her sentences and weeding out clichès, clunkers, passive voice, and words that just don’t feel right. Continue reading “The Right Word”