"On Writing" Not By The King:
A weekly blog-post reviewing writer blog-sites from an amateur's perspective.
TerribleMinds is the blog of Chuck Wendig.
http://terribleminds.com/ramble/blog/
First off, I was immediately draawn to the opening menu of his website. One link memorably reads "holy shit, free stories" I clicked it immediately. Apparently... free doesn't sell... and the page was 404: Page not found.
Oh well.... off to the blog itself.
Being Christmas time, the first post was on "Gifts for writers." Perfect. That's me! Among some posts about best pen choices (appreciated), the need for caffine, and his quest for a place to write there was also a promo for his two books on writing.
I really like his casual, somewhat vulgar style. But there is also a great deal of wisdom here. Just a few posts down from a "I'd do anything for yoda" post there was a post on grief(Nov 19th).Swimming Sideways
Wendig discusses being a writer in the wake of losing his mother. It is a touching piece but also a moving metaphor of grief as water. It reminded me as a new writer that writing is not isolated from life. It draws from it and is also impacted by it. Who we are and what our experiences are shape who we are as writers.
In that, there is also a great post about self-care. I've read books saying you must write so many words a day. I even have someone in my writer's group who participates in "story a day." On the other side is the balance of writing and taking care of yourself.
Sharp Rock, Soft Pillow, The Balance of Self-Care and Tough Love
I as a new writer am not full time. No one has bought my book, given me an advance for the next, nor hiring me to speak at conferences. I moved from a career that was 5 days one week, 6 days the next to teaching so I could have summers off and down time to write.
Most writing helps I see assume the writer takes the leap from a regular job to writing. Perhaps that is necessary? I would love to hear how younger writers balanced life, family, and trying to start a career. I know one of my favorite authors, Joe Brown, offered his reflections in the book On Fire.
Somehow, I think if Wendig wrote it the title would be something more akin to Oh SHit! I'm on fire!" That said, it would likely be equally brilliant.
This is a blog I will revisit. Between the promotion of his work is very helpful advise for someone trying to learn the trade.
And I have also put his new book on my to read list:
Wanderers
A decadent rock star. A deeply religious radio host. A disgraced scientist. And a teenage girl who may be the world’s last hope. In the tradition of The Stand and Station Eleven comes a gripping saga that weaves an epic tapestry of humanity into an astonishing tale of survival.
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