Tag Archives: teaching

Memory Improvement

Researchers have discovered a method of improving performance in memory tests. A simple 15-minute break, resting and meditating, can help memory retention by as much as a factor of 10, in some cases. The recent article is here: An Effortless … Continue reading

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“Needs Tightening”

These two dread words, when found without further explanation in a critique, signal oncoming angst for the writer. We all know what ‘tightening’ means in theory. In practice, it can include anything from removing a few words here and there, … Continue reading

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“The Universal Plot”

Take a trip back to the 80’s and see what was known then as The Universal Plot. Its origins are obscure, but I suspect that it was generated by someone in Southwest Manuscripters back around 1980. My copy shows no … Continue reading

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A Quotation for Our Times

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana (1863-1952)

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Another Thought on Haiku

I woke this morning going ’round and ’round in my mind with a haiku: Haiku Upon A Haiku Enigma Why good ones have oft Just seventeen syllables But bad ones, always. Which is a roundabout way of saying that bad … Continue reading

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Fiction Punchlist for Writers

The following punchlist was originally intended for use in the Vision & Revision Workshop when rewriting novels. There’s nothing quite as embarrassing as opening a copy of your book fresh from the printer and finding that something vital has been … Continue reading

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Twenty (20) Interesting Films

We saw some of these in class, some we viewed as homework or for special projects. You may find them amusing. American Beauty* Pay It Forward Almost Famous* The Abyss Lantana Bandits The Man Who Would Be King Ararat Matchstick … Continue reading

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Can you write when you’re tired?

If I write when I’m tired, often the work isn’t my best. Still, there will be some useful sections at the end of the day, or at least a good start for the next, though I’ll have to do more … Continue reading

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Art is…

 

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Free Class

Based on past experience, this should be well worth the time: https://dn143.infusionsoft.com/app/linkClick/3658/2b2a681ed915b8af/4501458/a4a69c5d26f5692a It’s free.  

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