Seth McFarlane's Rejected Movie Pitches
Since it's Friday, and the week may have reduced you to ooze, here's a little reminder that everyone gets rejected. Have a good weekend. Think happy thoughts, all that. Flat Out Rejected Seth McFarlane
Posts
Writing--It's Not About Waiting for the Inspiration
Sometimes a reader will ask if I have to wait for the inspiration to write. Creative thought is mistaken sometimes for inspiration. The truth is, imagination's a mechanism that has to be engaged to create output. I can't say to my imagination, "Now, Im, I'm working on this story and you've got to give me the next part of the plot." Nope! I have to let my thoughts loose. It's when my mind is untethered that it begins to tell me things. It takes its time dragging all of the story matter out as if I've got a lot of money and don't have to worry about deadlines or advances.
The Passing of a Children's Literary Icon--Maurice Sendak
This week all of publishing, and children's book lovers, mourn the passing of Maurice Sendak. I still remember the irresistable illustrations and stories of the creatures populating his Wild Things stories. For more about Maurice Sendak and recent news of his passing click here.
C.S. Lewis Leaves Behind Writing Advice
C.S. Lewis, or Clive Lewis, was an English author best known for his Narnia series novels for children. Like other popular fantasy novels in the young adult genre, the Narnia books cross age groups, appealing to adults too. I realized recently that I've spent too much time mourning the fact that he died before I could ever hope to correspond with him. I still value my personal letter from my childhood author idol, Marguerite Henry. To my surprise, though, Clive Lewis not only attempted to personally answer every child's letter written to him, he gave writing advice. Below is a prized letter to a young reader, Joan Kiln. His writing advice is spot-on--I plan to share it with my writing students. Enjoy a conversation on writing between C.S. Lewis and young Joan: ( Source: The wonderful, C. S. Lewis' Letters to Children ; Image: C. S. Lewis at work, via . ) The Kilns, Headington Quarry, Oxford 26 June 1956 Dear Joan– Thanks for your letter of the 3rd. You descr...
The Healing Process of Loss and the Holidays
After the sudden loss of our daughter, we were warned by other grieving parents of the “dreaded holiday season.” Our family had always enjoyed our Christmas fanaticism, the neighborhood lights competitions, and the many annual traditions we practiced. Having had loss thrust on us suddenly, Christmas needed reconstructing. I attribute this one sane response to our family’s dependence on Christ since there is no other logical explanation for a season when all seems illogical. The old traditions were too painful so it became evident that we were going to have to create a new normalcy for the holidays. Because it had always been our tradition to hang the old handmade tree ornaments made by our children over the years, pulling those precious keepsakes out for me as a mom was devastating. We had several discussions with our sons and agreed that for at least a couple of years, we were going to keep the tree in temporary retirement. Whether it is a tree or some other family heirloom t...
