Your Inspirational Writing Quote
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Discussion questions: If a struggling writer sought a list of inspirational writing quotes and you were on that list, what would be your quote? And in what way(s) does your quote shed light on your approach to your own work? Is there a favorite inspirational writing quote you turn to, or try to keep in mind, when you’re struggling? Let us know in the comments. read more
Great Beginnings: Opioid, Indiana
Discussion questions: Does the opening paragraph of Brian Allen Carr’s Opioid, Indiana (below) make you want to read further? Why or why not? What kind of opening lines grab you, and what kind immediately turn you off? Let’s talk about it in the comments. read more
The Best Passage You’ve Written in 2019
Discussion questions: What is the best passage you’ve written this year? From fiction to non, poetry to screenplay, even text message or email, have you written anything this year that has made you sit back for a moment and think, “Wow, I’m a talented writer!” And, most importantly, are you willing to share it with us? If so, copy/paste it in the comments below. Provide some context if it’ll help, or let your words speak for themselves. read more
Your Current No. 1 Writing Obstacle
Discussion questions: What is currently the most prominent obstacle standing between you and your writing goal(s)? Let us know below. read more
Micro Fiction Challenge: Scared to Death
Discussion questions: In fifty (50) words or fewer, write a spooky scene or story that includes the phrase “scared to death.” Write or paste your story into the comments. The winner will get a free classic horror novel of his/her choice, courtesy of WriteByNight. read more
The Perils of Recommending a Beloved Book
Discussion questions: When you recommend a book you love, do you in some ways feel like you’re recommending yourself for approval or disapproval? Are you hesitant to recommend a beloved book, or do you do so without a second thought? How do you feel when the person you’ve recommended it to loves it? Hates it? Is indifferent, or doesn’t even read the damn thing? What is your best experience of recommending a beloved book? Your worst? Tell us about them below. read more
I Haven’t Written a Word in Six Weeks
Discussion questions: Are you, like me, in a writing lull? What activities have you prioritized over your writing lately? Make a list, like I do below. How do you feel about those decisions? How will you make changes, if necessary? Do you find that your writing time is affected by the seasons? (i.e., do you, like me, write much less in the summer because you’re outside runnin’ around?) Let’s talk about it in the comments. read more
Micro Fiction Challenge: Dark & Stormy
Discussion questions: In fifty (50) words or fewer, write a scene or story that includes the phrase “a dark and stormy night.” Write or paste your story into the comments. The winner will get a free book, courtesy of WriteByNight. read more
Why Do We Adults Read Books Intended For Kids?
Discussion questions: How often do you read YA, middle-grade, or younger books? What do you get from them that you maybe don’t get from books intended for adults? Do you feel self-conscious reading such books in public, or do you let your flag fly? Let’s talk about it in the comments below. read more
Your Childhood Writing
Discussion questions: What were some of your formative childhood experiences with writing? What inspired you (if you remember!) to experiment with writing? Do you see any of your adult self in your juvenilia? If you could go back and give your childhood self one piece of writing advice, what would it be? Let us know in the comments. read more
Recommended Reading
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- This week on Yak Babies we yak about Sigrid Nunuz’s NBA-winning novel The Friend, and a life is changed: https://t.co/rl8lCwUMLb
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