This week I’m wondering not just how it got to be Friday, but how it got to be September. I swear, the earth is spinning just a little bit faster every year. If you haven’t already, you might want to take an hour or so to check in on your writing goals for 2016, and reassess your plan going forward. We’re officially two-thirds of the way through this year and I think it’s pretty clear that time waits for no one.
Here in the U.S., we’re heading into the long Labor Day weekend, which means final BBQs of the season, mad dashes to the beach, and just general enjoyment of the last unofficial gasps of summer. Whether you’re relaxing over the holiday or simply heading into a normal couple of days off, I hope you find some of the following links fun and inspirational. If you’re too busy playing beach volleyball to spend any time on the internet, well, they’ll be waiting for you a few days from now as well. Of course, if you plan to get in some writing time, they might come in handy. Enjoy!
A Writer’s Guide to Hacking the Reader’s Brain (in 5 Steps) – Thoughts on what makes a story really work for your reader.
The Lost Art of Custom Illustrating Your Favorite Books – Intriguing peek at a time when illustrated books were costly, so readers came up with less-pricy solutions.
How the Brontës Came Out as Women – All three sisters started out with masculine pen names; a look at when that changed.
An Illustrated Guide to Writing Scenes and Stories – Handy tips from writer Jeff VanderMeer, with some fun accompanying illustrations.
Langston Hughes’ Harlem Home May Get Its Own Renaissance — As an Art Center – Details pertaining to the recent effort to preserve the poet’s historic Harlem-area home.
6 Podcast Episodes that Will Make You a Better Writer – A nice assortment of podcasts that specifically address ways to improve your writing or provide excellent examples of a technique done well.
The Great Booksellers Fall 2016 Preview – A list of some of the most anticipated titles coming out over the next few months, touted by the people who know. I’m personally chomping at the bit for Amor Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow.