Sunday (April 26th) marked one month since I started working from home and a little over six weeks since covid-19 was declared a pandemic and physical distancing measures were put in place. In that time, several of the small businesses and independent workers whose services I used have shut down operations. This past week, one of those small businesses made the decision to close permanently.
I understand the decision and wish the two wonderful businesswomen all the best, but it makes me sad that they were forced to the extremity. Unfortunately, none of the measures the government offered for small businesses were appropriate for them. I worry that more small businesses will follow suit.
This has been a trying time for everyone for a variety of reasons. Take care of yourselves and take some time to enjoy these informal writerly learnings.
Jan O’Hara: turning points (or, how not to kill your partner during covid-19 lockdown). Dave King discusses the practice novel (also called the shelf novel or trunk novel—scarier words were never writ). Anne Greenwood Brown reveals the science behind the meet-cute. Heather Webb explains how to find and hone your author voice. Writer Unboxed
Becca Puglisi offers nine ways to originalize your story. Writers in the Storm
Shaelin starts a new series about developing a novel. Part one: concept and idea. Reedsy
K.M. Weiland lists four ways writing improves your relationship with yourself. Helping Writers Become Authors
Joanna Penn talks to Gail Carriger about building a unique author brand. The Creative Penn
Susan DeFreitas continues her series on developing a writing practice with part four: easy. Jane Friedman
Lisa Hall-Wilson explains what emotional context is and why your story needs it. Later in the week, Angela Ackerman shows you how to describe a location you’ve never visited. Writers Helping Writers
Jami Gold helps you use scene and sequel better.
Chris Winkle lists five common dialogue problems and how to fix them. Then, Oren Ashkenazi digs into the world building of Naomi Novik’s Temeraire. Mythcreants
How the manic pixie dream girl has evolved. The Take
And the crazy woman.
Maria Popova introduces us to The Lost Words: an illustrated dictionary of poetic spells reclaiming the language of nature. Brain Pickings
Kate Yoder considers the words this unprecedented time of change have brought into our lexicon. Grist
Thank you for stopping by and I hope you found something to support your current work in progress.
Until next time, be well and stay safe, my writerly friends.
Always Looking Up 