Try to Be Funny, Don’t Suck
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Discussion questions: George Saunders’ recent Paris Review interview left me with a lot to think about, and maybe it can do the same for you. I’ve stolen from it and listed them below. Do any of them speak to you and make you think about your own writing? In what ways? Let’s talk about it in the comments. read more
The Furniture of Your Mind
Discussion questions: Who are some writers that shape your life, shape how you move through the world and “the particular angles of [your] seeing”? What books have “become part of the furniture” of your mind? read more
Micro Fiction Contest: A Sad Tale’s Best For Winter
Discussion questions: In fifty (50) words or fewer, write a scene or story that includes the phrase “a sad tale’s best for winter.” Write or paste your story into the comments. The winner will get his/her choice of books from the WriteByNight library. read more
Your 2020 Writing Goals
Discussion questions: What are your writing goals for 2020? Your reading goals? How will you achieve them? Do you plan to make any changes in your writing approach this coming year? Let’s talk about it in the comments. read more
Your Favorite O’Nan of the Year
Discussion questions: Tell me about your favorite 2019 reading experiences. Does a particular book stand out as the best you read this year? Or if not the best, your favorite? Do any reading moments come to mind, where you weren’t necessarily reading your favorite book of the year but still had a memorable experience? Let’s talk about your year in reading in the comments below. And if you’re looking forward to any particular book(s) in 2020, I wanna hear about that, too. read more
Your Favorite Writing Moments of 2019
Discussion questions: Tell me about your favorite 2019 writing experience. Did you have any memorable breakthroughs where your story, or even your entire book, came together? Or a moment where you realized you were creating the best writing you’re capable of? Is there a particular writing session that stands out as the most successful and/or most enjoyable? Did you receive any surprising feedback that made your day, week, month, or year? read more
Your Winter Writing Approach & Goals
Discussion questions: What are your writing goals this winter, and/or for the rest of 2019? How does your writing approach change when the snow flies and the wind blows and the sun starts going down at &^(*&^# lunchtime? If you’re susceptible to the winters blues, how do you avoid the winter writing blues? read more
Your Internal Critic at Its Worst
Discussion questions: What is the worst thing your internal critic tells you? That one most abusive piece of negative self-talk, the one he/she knows will make you want to give up and never write again? Let us know in the comments.
Your Inspirational Writing Quote
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