2025 - January - Be SMART

 

   Clarity trumps all rules. I coined that phrase way back in 2009, and it still holds true because if the writing or story isn't clear and understandable, whose fault is that? Definitely the writer's.

And, of course, following precise rules can actually muddle matters, particularly punctuation and grammar rules that easily destroy "voice"—be it the writer's, the story's narrator's, or characters'.

So, this year, I will feature a quote each month that I value in the hope that you find the words beneficial in your writing journey.

Take note—the quote that opened this post is not the January 2025 quote. The New Year is a time for setting goals and making resolutions. So, this month's quote ties in with the SMART concept of goal setting, which you can google. If you do, look for the images of SMART goal setting templates. However, this New Year's writing goals quote of mine is from Master Phillip Minton, Black Belt, 1996, The Way, a publication of ATA (American Taekwondo Assn.):

Achievement means:

Number One

Determine what you want out of life.

Number Two

Find somebody who's achieved it.

Number Three

Study and practice and make a plan from what you learned from them.

Number Four

Check your plan and constantly make sure you're taking action to achieve your plan.

Number Five

Enjoy yourself while you're doing it!

Be SMART - write with one or more writing goals in mind and —

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2024 - December - Holiday Wishes

 

This Christmas, I'll keep the post ultra simple — 

     What is on your writerly Christmas Wish List?

That is— What writer's tool, gizmo, electronic or other item would put a smile on your face if you were to find that particular gift under your Christmas Tree?

I wish you all the joys of the holidays,

Catherine E. McLean

www.CatherineEmclean.com
www.WritersCheatSheets.com

Jesus is 
the Reason 
for the Season

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2024 - November - Being Thankful

 

I'll keep this post short and specific— 

        This Thanksgiving, what are you, as a writer, thankful for?

Wishing you all the best with your writing.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving,

Catherine E. McLean

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2024 - October - A Prompt Challenge

 

Give your imagination a break from story writing.

Taking a time-out and doing a writing prompt can invigorate the subconscious. So this month, I challenge you to do one or both of the following writing prompts. Keep either under 100 words if possible. Any genre, any writing style. Think outside the box, but most of all, let yourself have some writing fun. 

6-Word Challenge Prompt - autumn, orange, gargantuan, burnt, muddle, bole (either the clay pigment or the wood of a tree)

Writing Challenge Prompt  - While walking in the park, you encounter a gnome, a witch, and a robot under a park bench. What happens next?

Let me know how your prompt turned out. 

Happy Autumn! Happy Writing!

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2024 - September - WRT#13

 

This month, I am not going to discuss a craft or industry topic but promote a very worthwhile Western Pennsylvania event for writers— 

The Writer's Road Trip is now in its twelfth year. 

It is an in-person, one-day writing conference held in Erie PA and is hosted by Area 1 Pennwriters, who are part of Pennwriters Inc. https://pennwriters.org/ (founded in 1988).

At this mini-conference, there will be three learning tracks. I will be giving two workshops, one on pitching to an editor/agent and one on the perplexities of paragraphing.

Rather than expound on why you should consider attending this conference, the event coordinators have already done that at their website —   https://www.writersroadtrip.com/ 

At their website, you'll also find the list of the conference speakers, the topics, and how to register for the event (lunch is included).

I hope to see you in Erie on Oct. 5. Oh, and if you come, look me up in the Hospitality Room and say hello.

P.S. — SPREAD THE WORD!  Permission is given to re-post and share this event on your social media and, especially, tell your fellow writers.  

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