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Books and writing are the core of my life. I edit books, write books, and teach writing. I love this work, and will be happy to provide any editorial or writing service you need.
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My Blog

Copyright: Paula Hiuser
Copyright: Paula Hiuser

This is my chance to indulge in some of my favorite topics: books I’m reading; writing advice, my own and that of accomplished writers; what I learn from my students in my classes; and, oh yes, my soapbox, where I rant—mildly—about anything related to writing and publishing that makes me say “What?”

I also get to showcase amazing photographs taken by some of my favorite people. (In my next life, I want to be a photographer.)

May 14, 2021 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

Building Characters

I was reminded in class the other day of a writing exercise that I call Building Characters. The idea came to me from a chapter in a student’s memoir, about a bus trip her family took in Great Britain and Western Europe in the early 1960s. The group was an intriguing collection of characters—starting with the tour guide, the wonderfully named Mr. Pinchback—and it occurred to me that students could … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Characters, What the Teacher Learned in Class, Writing Tips Tagged With: character, writing exercise, writing prompt, writing tips

April 2, 2021 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

“I’m Doing the Best I Can”

For my birthday last year, a friend gave me a book, one that I probably would not have bought for myself because it’s a memoir. I don’t tend to read memoirs. But I loved the title: All the Way to the Tigers. Who wouldn’t be intrigued? And the author’s name rang a bell—Mary Morris. I checked to see what else she had written and recalled that many years ago, I had read one or two of her novels. So, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Writing Process, What I Read, Writing Tips Tagged With: art, goals, memoir, perfection, writing, writing tips

February 4, 2021 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

Revisions

Revisions

Some writers have told me they dread revisions. They love the initial creation of a work—a poem, essay, short story, novel; that rush of excitement as the ideas flow, as the words pour out effortlessly and they seem to enter an out-of-body state. Revisions aren’t like that. Revisions can mean staring at the screen or paper, head in hand, wondering what the heck you were trying to say in a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Revising, Writing Tips Tagged With: character, create, creativity, dialogue, novel, plot, revisions, rewriting, writing, writing tips

September 29, 2020 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

Pile of Books

I enjoy making an attractive pile of books as I contemplate which book to read next. This particular pile is comprised of books I got for my birthday last month. Well, all except that big Harry Potter book on the bottom. All of these are books I asked for as gifts. The top one, Draft No. 4 by John McPhee, is from my mother. She asked if she could borrow it when I’m done so she can reread it. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: What I Read Tagged With: birthday gifts, books, eckhart tolle, harry potter, helen macdonald, john mcphee, reading list

July 18, 2020 By Elizabeth Leave a Comment

The Creative Walk

I walk. It's a defining characteristic, a must-do every day. These are not long walks, they rarely qualify as hikes, but for me a walk is frequently--maybe always--a creative walk. I read this article about walking about a year ago. I nodded in agreement through most of it, but was certainly surprised to learn all that was happening in my brain as I walked. What did not surprise me were the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Writing Process Tagged With: birds, books, create, creativity, walk, writing

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Blog Categories

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  • Characters
  • Revising
  • Writing Tips
  • What the Teacher Learned in Class

Resources

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  • Writing Inspiration & Prompts
  • Blog Articles
  • Writing Links
  • Independent Publishing

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