Stream of Consciousness
Le Guin Apprenticeship Journal II. Top Story - August 2026.
Hmm, grammar. English grammar, at that. Notoriously, a shifting tapestry of inconsistently applied rules, as full of loopholes as the first hand-knitted jumper of an enthusiastic amateur. I myself am such an amateur. Of grammar, that is; jumpers I leave to the professionals. (One encounter with an ill-fitting bobble hat was enough for me, thanks.) I swear, I paid attention in class, but my grammar, like my handwriting, remains strongly a matter of instinct and vibes. I'm trying to make changes. I'm taking a proofreading course, and I'm reading up on those shifting "rules" I mentioned. Accidental Apostrophe by Caroline Taggart is, so far, very engaging and not at all schoolmarm-ish. I've made it to the "hanging hyphen," and I haven't given up yet. Next on my list is Bill Bryson's Troublesome Words , and after that I'll be looking for recommendations, so if you happen to have any, I'd be extremely grateful. (Especially relating to commas, which look set to be my nemesis.) So please do drop them in the comments!
By Lauren Everdellabout a month ago in Writers
I Miss the Days Before AI Generated Comments
There was a time — I’m talking about six months ago — when a writer would post a piece of fiction online, a deeply vulnerable story about their childhood or a dying spaceship or whatever, and the comments section would roll in like a county fair.
By Scott Christenson🌴about a month ago in Writers
Allegiance
To belong to a thought you believe in like writing here sharing.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
I feel alone again
When I was away on my cruise and came back to write about my experience, I noticed my reads and stats were up quite a bit and that put a smile on my face for it made me feel like my writing is worth something. But now that I have been back for a week my stats are dropping like a bomb from a bomber. Why? I don't understand and it cannot only be the algorithm. I do get a few faithful readers that leave comments but still feeling kind of sad that when I do write/read no one notices.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
Writing a novel
Guess what, I am really trying to write a novel. I had this inspirational idea while on the cruise two weeks ago. I was sitting in the Top Sail lounge eating lunch and watching the water and the idea came to me. I think I also watched to many Hallmark movies to boot. The story is going to be titled 'On the Water' about a doctor who is on a cruise meets up with an old friend in a surprising way. The story has flashbacks of their past and their sharing those memories for the main character has memory issues.
By Mark Grahamabout a month ago in Writers
Figuring It Out
Author’s Note: These prompts are my attempt at working on writing fiction. I may not always follow the cards exactly, but I am working on writing fiction. Fight The Giant - Cards against normality prompt: Talk it out - if your hero and the antagonist had an honest discussion, what would they say to each other? List three locations or situations in which your hero and your adversary could talk at length. Imagine a conversation between your hero and his younger self. What advice would he give? Brainstorm three characters your hero could confide in.
By Denise E Lindquistabout a month ago in Writers
Fighting The Giant
Author’s Note: These prompts are my attempt at working on writing fiction. Fight The Giant - Cards against normality prompt: Your hero will have to face her adversary at some point. Why not right now? List the ways the enemy could bring the fight to the hero right now. If your hero has a plan, how can she be forced to accelerate it? Perhaps she learns new information, or a window of opportunity is closing Coincidence happens. Brainstorm three ways your hero and antagonist could find themselves in the same location unexpectedly.
By Denise E Lindquist2 months ago in Writers
