Monthly Archives: March 2009

A Writer’s Voice

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

I’ve never been entirely sure what voice is, while at the same time I feel it’s something I know in my bones, unique as a retinal print. As a writer, my voice is part of me. Yet it’s not static. … Continue reading →

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Why I Don’t Like Vampires

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

I have never loved vampires. Rather, I don’t like the idea of vampires. This does not stop me from reading vampire novels, of course. I just don’t prefer them. The heart of my dislike is vampires killing humans for their … Continue reading →

Posted in genre, paranormal, reading, romance novels, vampires | 16 Comments

Vera Brittain, "Sic Transit"

Posted on March 29, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Sic Transit —V.R., died of wounds, 2nd London General Hospital, Chelsea, June 9th, 1917 I am so tired.The dying sun incarnadines the West,And every window with its gold is fired,And all I loved the bestIs gone, and every good that … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, “In Barracks”

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

In Barracks The barrack-square, washed clean with rain, Shines wet and wintry-grey and cold. Young Fusiliers, strong-legged and bold, March and wheel and march again. The sun looks over the barrack gate, Warm and white with glaring shine, To watch … Continue reading →

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Playing Dress-Up

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

The first romance novels I remember reading in my adolescence, or at least skimming, were Harlequin Presents. Few details stick with me now, but I still remember that getting dressed up was an important part of feminity in those novels. … Continue reading →

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The Art of Waiting

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Publishing is all about waiting. Waiting for editors to respond to your submissions. Waiting for agents to respond to your queries. Waiting for your agent to call with news of your latest deal. Waiting to hear back from your editor … Continue reading →

Posted in business of writing | 10 Comments

How To Learn to Write

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

I was reading an article about how to write scenes. The article provided a list of things that needed to be included in a scene. They were all very useful suggestions. There were a lot of them. I imagined being … Continue reading →

Posted in writing craft | 6 Comments

Siegfried Sassoon, “How to Die”

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

How to Die Dark clouds are smouldering into red While down the craters morning burns. The dying soldier shifts his head To watch the glory that returns; He lifts his fingers toward the skies Where holy brightness breaks in flame; … Continue reading →

Posted in sassoon, wwi poetry | 2 Comments

Raymond Chandler on prose style

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

“The most durable thing in writing is style, and style is the most valuable investment a writer can make with his time. It pays off slowly, your agent will sneer at it, your publisher will misunderstand it, and it will … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Invocation"

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Victoria Janssen

Invocation Come down from heaven to meet me when my breathChokes, and through drumming shafts of stifling deathI stumble toward escape, to find the doorOpening on morn where I may breathe once moreClear cock-crow airs across some valley dimWith whispering … Continue reading →

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