I've participated in NaNoWriMo seven times. I reached the 50K goal every time, but it wasn't easy. Each time was stressful and hard. But I know who I am, and I know that as soon as I sign up for this personal competition, there's no other choice for me but to succeed. I'd tear myself … Continue reading My most memorable NaNoWriMo
Writing Journey
Where is your soul sleeping?
What's life without writing? Words create a mood, initiate feelings and sometimes lead to healing. I've been writing my entire life to feel something other than the turmoil, fear and pain that follows close to me nearly every day. Poetry, stories, novellas, articles and lately, memoir. I've always loved memoir and nonfiction, but over the … Continue reading Where is your soul sleeping?
Old Journals, New Inspiration
I think we can all agree it's been a strange and difficult year. For a highly sensitive person and INFJ like me, there were times when I wondered if I'd get through it. And it's not over yet. But I think that what I once considered my flaws are now my strengths. It surprises me … Continue reading Old Journals, New Inspiration
My Summer Writing Life
I've been avoiding this blank space for too long. But I haven't avoided all writing--and editing, revision, researching and reading. No, just this site. My personal site. Why? Why do writers sometimes avoid a project they usually enjoy and know they should continue? And when a lot of time passes, it becomes both easier … Continue reading My Summer Writing Life
Structured Writing Sucks (for me)
In recent months, I've been doing a lot of work on myself. I've been stuck in a terrible procrastination loop for too many months, and I've been crushed with anxiety, depression and fear. I just couldn't finish the editing of my latest novel and I hated myself. I was so close but … Continue reading Structured Writing Sucks (for me)
The rush and mystery of writing
Last month, I was scraping every corner of my mind and imagination to come up with an idea for NaNoWriMo. I jotted notes, went back to old writing and asked my husband for help. But I had the hardest time, and it was nearly November first before I decided I wanted to … Continue reading The rush and mystery of writing
Choosing your beta readers
If you're a writer, and especially a published author, you've probably used beta readers. Maybe you've even been one. So how do you choose your readers? I've been a writer since childhood and used to allow only a few special people to read my poetry and short stories. I've always been extremely shy about … Continue reading Choosing your beta readers
Can we force inspiration?
It's that time of the year for me again. Mid-October, close enough to November and the beginning of NaNoWriMo. If I sign up, this will be my sixth year participating. I love the challenge and deadline of this competition. 50,000 words in 30 days. In my earlier days of writing, I never thought I … Continue reading Can we force inspiration?
A Writer Writes
How much do you love writing? Do you love to write? Do you love talking about writing? Do you love having written? Seeing your finished product in print or listed on Amazon? If you lost your ability to put pen to paper or type, would you voice it all to continue your passion? I … Continue reading A Writer Writes
How important is money to you?
I've never cared that much about money. That doesn't mean I've never had dreams of winning the lottery or making it big with my writing. But from an early age, I knew I was the kind of person who would never have a high-powered career and make everyone jealous of my disposable income that … Continue reading How important is money to you?
Patricia Kirsch 