Mary Brotherton

Many new writers feel there is no hope for them and they’ll provide a multitude of excuses why they can’t or shouldn’t complete their first novel, short story, memoir or article. Stop making excuses and start writing. Everyone has a story to tell and although not everyone can tell a story like O. Henry or [...]

Isn’t Tumblemoose a great word? It’s also the name for a webpage by George Angus. He’s a writer for hire, but aren’t we all? George trolls the internet and finds great pages and resources then puts them on his site. I asked permission to borrow from his hard work and he agreed. If you are [...]

I accepted the challenge to record my life for the next year with one photo per day. Taking photos is easy. Choosing just one to represent my entire day is a little more difficult. I think I have resolved my issue by using my otherwise almost dormant photoblog to record every one of the next [...]

Naturally, you don’t want to number your lines if you are ready to submit your manuscript to an editor, agent or publisher; but if you are working with a critique group, numbering the lines on your pages can be very helpful during discussion. It’s as simple as a few mouseclicks: With your Word.doc open, click [...]

I know a woman who must hit her SAVE button every thirty seconds or so. She told me that someone once said, “If you think you have written enough and you don’t want to start over, save it.” She’s a graphics artist, not a writer, but this is still great advice. I don’t recommend saving [...]

@import url(‘http://css.helium.com/css/widget.css’); HeliumFiction-writing: The challenges and opportunities of using symbolism Share and Enjoy:

Many writers find it difficult to know when to stop writing or self editing. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in a project that we lose touch with what we wanted to convey originally. When that happens, take a break, step back or let someone else read your work. A new, objective set o [...]

Women writers have a unique opportunity to ensure their voices are heard. Since 1988, www.hedgebrook.org has offered retreats for women from two weeks to two months long. All the writers need to do is complete an application process and get to Whidbey Island, Washington. Share and Enjoy:

Think Off sponsors an annual contest to determine the year’s Greatest Thinker and poses a question for essayists. The deadline for this year’s contest has passed, but hold on to this link for next year’s probing question. http://www.think-off.org/html/fact_sheet.php Some of the recent questions posed have been: 2007: Which Should you Trust More-Your Head or Your [...]

Someone recently asked me to explain how mainstream fiction differs from contemporary or literary fiction and while my explanation will not be comprehensive or accepted by everyone, this is what I understand. Contemporary fiction is simply fiction that is currently being published. Mainstream fiction refers to writing that does not fit into a defined  or [...]