Writing can be hard sometimes, especially when our creative tank has run dry and we’re relying on fumes to reach our destination. The solution? Fill the tank. When it comes to creativity, one of the best ways to fill the tank is to have a little fun. Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way fame, advocates… Read more »
Last week we started talking about creativity and ways to boost that part of your brain. This week, we’ll continue that conversation, focusing especially on ways to get over that writing hump. You know what I’m talking about. One minute you’re zipping along down the fast lane and then WHAM! You hit a speed bump… Read more »
The DIY MFA newsletter, Writer Fuel, can help power your ideas and the new workbook Jumper Cables (available to everyone who joins the DIY MFA mailing list) can help you jump-start your writing. But sometimes you need a place to store your ideas and stockpile inspiration to use when the fuel runs dry. That’s where… Read more »
Today’s Halloween, the day we celebrate all things that go bump in the night. But while Halloween boogies might be imaginary, I’d like to talk about some monsters that are very real: creative monsters. What are creative monsters, you ask? Creative monsters are those people in get in the way of our creative journey. Often… Read more »
When it comes to getting a tune-up on your writing, you have lots of different options. In fact, sometimes the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming and it’s hard to recognize what kind of help or feedback you really need. In this post, you’ll get to know some of the choices so you can… Read more »
First of all, let me start by clarifying what I consider short form literature. For me, short form literature is basically anything that can be read in one gulp, one sitting. In other words short form literature is: poems, essays, short stories, and picture books. I include picture books on the list because in my… Read more »
This week at DIY MFA, we shift gears a little to talk about why writers need community. There’s something about writers that makes them flock together. Like if you put two writers in a crowded cocktail party, they will inevitably find each other, almost like they have this fine-tuned writing radar. A “wradar” as it… Read more »
When it comes to getting in the “zone” for writing, sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s really hard. There are days when I’m just not “in the mood” and I can’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. Instead, I’ve learned a few tricks to help me set the mood even when if feels like… Read more »
Here’s a secret writing exercise I only recently learned: If you want characters to feel real for the reader, you have to hint they have the potential to be the opposite of what they appear. Wait, what? The opposite of what the character seems . . . wouldn’t that mean the character is acting out of character?… Read more »
The first step to creating your DIY MFA is to take stock of where you are right now. Some of you might be just starting out on your writing journey, while others may have been writing for years. Either way is fine. While some of you might have plenty of time to devote to this project, others… Read more »
