What's On Your Desk Wednesday

Stop by Alternative-Read with Sassy Brit and find out what's on my desk. You'll find an image of my workstation, and learn a little more about me and how I work. Hope to see you there.

What's On Your Desk?

Interview at Surrounded by Books

Cherie Reich of Surrounded by Books invited me to her blog for an interview. Stop by and join the conversation. I'd enjoy hearing from you, and I'm available for any additional questions you might have. (My book will be available for purchase this week!)

On 'How to Write' Books

Some writers devour 'how to write' books, and some won't touch them.

Which writer are you?

As a new writer, I picked up many 'how to' books, searching for the secrets of writing. The problem was I didn't understand them, found them too complicated. I'm not sure rather I was grabbing the wrong ones, but now as I re-read them, I find them much more understandable.

Can you learn from 'how to' books?

I believe it is helpful to read what other writers think about the art of writing. You won't discover a magical blueprint. What you will find is multiple views, which you can adapt to your own writing over time.

I continue to grab how to books, and now as I read, I can relate to what the writer is sharing. I continue to pick up additional helpful hints with each new book.

What is the best way to read a how to book?

I suggest reading it from beginning to end. Use sticky markers to tab anything that seems useful. The more you write, the more the practices you find in these books will come into play. Later, you may choose to reread these books. I believe you will be surprised at how much you've actually used the knowledge without even realizing it.

Do you read 'how to' books? Do you follow from beginning to end? Do you jump around to the sections you want to read most? Book recommendations welcomed.

Flash Fiction at Raven and the Writing Desk

The ladies at Raven and the Writing Desk invited me to join in their June fun. The theme for the month is rose gardens.

My flash fiction piece, "The Rose Garden Ritual", is available on the blog for your reading pleasure.

My story found great company with Lisa Rusczyk's, "Jasper", and Cherie Reich's "A Killer Rose Garden", also available on the blog.

If that's not enough roses for you, a past publication, "Roses of Tomorrow", over at Spinetinglers, may interest you.

Take a break in your day to smell the roses.

Happy Wednesday!