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Carol S. Mann
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Bits and Pieces
“if a man does not master his circumstances then he is bound to be mastered by them.”
― Amor Towles, A Gentleman in Moscow
Category Archives: Inspiration
Writers’ Workshops to the Rescue
I’m continually looking for writing tips, techniques, and approaches. I’m forever searching for ways to become a better writer and be inspired. Sound familiar? As a result, I attend conferences and workshops, read articles and books on writing, listen to speakers, … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, Creativity, fiction writing, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, novel, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged Author Elizabeth Sims, Developing a fictional character, Developing a fictional plot, editing your writing, perfectionism, Scene development in fiction, sequence in fiction writing, The short story, The Value of Writers' Workshops, Writer's Digest Magazine, You've Got A Book In You by Elizabeth Sims
4 Comments
Marketing Your Book – Again
Your book has been out for a while. What do you do now? How do you keep the marketing fresh? You do two things. You stick with what works and … you try something new. All Ways A Woman came out … Continue reading
Posted in Authors, blogging, Books, Creativity, Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged Advertising your book, Art Fairs, Art Patron Magazine, Book - All Ways A Woman, Book Expos/Festivals, Keep your book marketing fresh, Laguna Beach, marketing your book, Merchandising your book, Palm Springs
6 Comments
The Art of the “Acrylic Pour”
It’s sometimes fun to venture out of your comfort zone and try something completely foreign. It may make you uncomfortable. It may even feel risky. On occasion, I take that step away from writing and try a new creative experience. … Continue reading
How do you feel about birthdays?
How do you feel about birthdays? Reactions seem to depend on where you are on the age spectrum. You may be happy about a birthday. You may be happy but feeling a bit depressed. You may be happy but can’t help … Continue reading
Posted in Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Writing
Tagged age, Aging, Being authentic, birthday cards, birthday milestones, birthday parties, Birthday traditions, birthdays, Feelings about birthdays, Hope, inspiration, Legal ages, Memorable birthdays, Significant birthdays
9 Comments
Earthquakes and Primary Research
Okay, this is bizarre. It’s about 6 p.m. in the evening. I’m working at the computer on a short story titled “The Phone Call.” It opens with a woman standing in her kitchen drinking a cup of coffee when an … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, short story, Writing
Tagged aftershocks, anxiety, earthquake kit, earthquakes, epicenter, fear, fight or flight, how do people react during an earthquake, primary research, secondary research, short story character, writing a short story
9 Comments
Be Your Own Hero
In this day and age, I’m looking for anchors, things to hang on to when the seas get rough. You know, quick words of encouragement or inspiration to deal with the political chaos and power struggles occurring in our society, … Continue reading
Posted in blogging, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, personal essay, Reading, Writing
Tagged A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles, Anais Nin, beliefs, challenge, core values, courage, courage of your convictions, Encouragement, everyday heroes, heroes, Hope, inspiration, LA Times, personal challenge, personal journeys, principles
4 Comments
Elegant Ladies of the Desert
I live in a valley in the California desert – home of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, R.C. Gorman sunsets, and palm trees. Areas of the valley’s desert may be unspoiled and unpopulated or highly groomed with burgeoning … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Finding Ideas: The Creative Process, Inspiration, Looking for Inspiration, poetry, Reading, Writing
Tagged artist Naomi Brown, artist R.C. Gorman, Coachella Valley, Coachella Valley Desert, Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival, desert palms, haiku, nature, nature as inspiration, palm trees, poetry, poetry in nature
2 Comments
