Category Archives: writing

Back to Basics

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I’ve got a guest post today at Culinary Carnivale–I recommend some Young Adult classics and newer books I think are destined to become classics. # I’m fairly busy this month with my other main creative outlet, choir, as well as … Continue reading →

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Posted on March 18, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Today I’m over at the Novelists, Inc. blog with a guest post on making your own luck. Monday, I’ll have a guest post on my favorite YA books over at Culinary Carnivale. I belatedly discovered this very nice review of … Continue reading →

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7 Pleasures of Writing

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

1. Games of Free Cell are much more satisfying when you’re only allowed one game, and then you have to start writing. 2. When you’re feeling the urge to be a hermit, writing is the perfect excuse. 3. When writing … Continue reading →

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2011 So Far

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

2011 seems to be going well so far, writing-wise. I had January and February off from my choir (rehearsals begin again in March), so I planned deliberately to focus on writing, especially in February. In preparation, in mid-December I read … Continue reading →

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“Janus: Sonnet,” John M. Ford

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Janus: Sonnet Sufficient time for faith and miracles We find we cannot fit into our days; And nothing’s left at all that joyous dwells Inside the heart. The spark of spirit stays Too small for dreamburst, and all earth may … Continue reading →

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Linkgasm: Cool Writing Stuff

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

It’s been a while since I’ve posted links, and they’re starting to pile up! I have interesting friends. Some of these links came to me through them. WriteWords Phrase Frequency Counter. Enter a number of words in the phrase (2 … Continue reading →

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What Characters Look Like

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

This is another post based on a question from Tumperkin, who is really good at making me think. The gentleman whose picture is illustrating this post is actor Vincent Perez. Many writers have said they use pictures of people to … Continue reading →

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Swearing in The Duke and The Pirate Queen

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

This post was inspired by an essay on swearing in romance novels over at Alpha Heroes. I thought a lot about the way my characters in The Duke & the Pirate Queen would swear. The book is set in a … Continue reading →

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Shades of Critique

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

I recently read a novel manuscript for an experienced novelist; this novelist has turned the manuscript in to the editor, but it’s not yet in its final version. That made me think about critiquing, and all the different shades of … Continue reading →

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5 Ways to Start Your Writing Day Right

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

1. Start writing first thing. Okay, I eat first, and brush my teeth, things like that. But I don’t give myself a chance to see that the laundry needs to be done, or remember that I was going to buy … Continue reading →

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