I recently spoke with a couple of writers who were both eager to jump start their creativity with new projects. One has been dominated by editing work recently and so her own creative writing had taken a back seat. She had six different ideas for stories and was tempted to try NaNoWriMo but didn’t knowContinue reading “Playing NaNoWriMo Without Writing a Book”
Author Archives: Monica Cox
Read & Watch Your Way to Becoming a Better Writer
This week I shared the following quote on social media: Is it really that simple? Of course. And not at all. The real challenge comes with how we approach both reading and writing. Today, I want to dig into the reading part. A good book can transport you to another world, distracting you from allContinue reading “Read & Watch Your Way to Becoming a Better Writer”
Procrastiplanning: Break the Cycle
In a recent call with a historical fiction writer, I mentioned the term procrastiplanning: Several folks chimed in that they often have the same issue so I wanted to take a deeper dive on what procrastiplanning is and how to break the cycle. First of all, I wish I could remember where I heard theContinue reading “Procrastiplanning: Break the Cycle”
Writing Conferences
Tis the season for writing conferences! After several long years of virtual conferences, many are returning in person or offering a hybrid. I’m heading to an in person conference myself in October and can’t wait to meet fellow writers I’ve only interacted with online, learn new things in our educational sessions, and have time awayContinue reading “Writing Conferences”
Creative Growth
I pass this tree on my trail walks. I am not sure when I first noticed the tree, but I know since my dad died in 2018, I haven’t missed it. It’s like I’m compelled to take a moment and acknowledge the tree’s presence on the trail. Its struggle to keep growing a little offContinue reading “Creative Growth”
WFWA Online Auction: Sept. 6-11, 2022
In 2015, I was home visiting my parents. A college friend who lived nearby saw my Facebook post about it and mentioned she was going to a launch event for a local author and invited me to join her. Knowing nothing about the writer, but loving a book event and an opportunity to catch upContinue reading “WFWA Online Auction: Sept. 6-11, 2022”
Renovations and Revisions
This summer, our dishwasher leaked. Big time. Only we didn’t know it. It leaked who knows how much water under our tile floors for who knows how long. We only noticed when the hardwood floors in the dining room next to the kitchen started warping. Once we dug in and saw the actual damage, itContinue reading “Renovations and Revisions”
Starting In Media Res & Using Backstory: The Bear
SPOILER ALERT: If you have not watched The Bear on Hulu and think you want to (and I would recommend it), then save this post for after you’ve binged it or don’t blame me if I give away any spoilers. You’ve been warned. TRIGGER WARNING: suicide and drug addiction. If you or someone you knowContinue reading “Starting In Media Res & Using Backstory: The Bear”
The Days are Long but the Years are Short
Today my oldest turns 16. At baby showers, at prenatal appointments, at the grocery store, friends and strangers alike would often warn: “Enjoy it. It goes by so fast.” And I knew what they meant. Of course I did. Time flies. I was no stranger to the concept. After all, childhood, college, pregnancy, they allContinue reading “The Days are Long but the Years are Short”
Storytelling on the Field
I was a band kid. I played flute in concert band, but what I loved more than anything was marching band and performing on the color guard in high school through my four years at UNC Chapel Hill. There is nothing like standing in a sequin-adorned bolero jacket and cummerbund over a white mock turtleneckContinue reading “Storytelling on the Field”