#WritersCoffeeClub 9
What's the minimum time you can work on your writing? Do you need a long, clear period?
One of my worst habits was allowing myself to think I could only write in long stretches. This left me lots of excuses, as well as feelings of resentment toward anyone who interrupted me once the universe was aligned for writing.
I haven't completely drilled that habit out, but I'm conscious of it and typically write in shorter, more productive bursts now as a result.
I set up a Google alert a few years back against my name, and promptly forgot about it. Until last week, when I received a hit on that alert to let me know that my obituary had been published online.
That other Kurt Hohmann (neither relative nor writer) lived about four hours away, and his middle name (unlike mine) was Henry.
#WritersCoffeeClub 24
When older novels use outdated or racist language, should they be edited for the modern world or left alone and viewed in context?
Viewed in context, with one exception. If the original author is still alive and chooses to publish an updated edition, fine.
Word compromises are made between authors and editors pre-publication; nobody else (looking at you, Ian Fleming's estate) should be creatively editing.
The ability to bring an idea full circle: to pull it from the air, breathe life into it, nurture it, and make it into something real. It's real magic we make happen.
#WordWeavers 4
Is there writing advice you used to follow but changed your mind?
"Write what you know"
Like a lot of writers, I love research. Delving into specific topics is a lovely, deep rabbit hole that can prevent me—for hours—from having to open my manuscript and consider the next sentence. 😆
But research also means I'm learning something new, and I don't think I've ever written anything of worth that didn't involve that learning. So I suggest a change.
#WordWeavers 2
What books/resources have you used to improve your writing?
I've read a lot of craft books and have gleaned nuggets from most of them. I've also worked through a few of the "Great Courses" lectures on writing, and gotten bits and pieces there also. But for the past few years, my most useful resource for craft enhancement has been listening to the Writing Excuses podcast. The most useful one for motivation and commiseration has been chatting with fellow writers, like you folks. 🙂
#WritersCoffeeClub 10
Do you want to write full time or are you happy for it to be a hobby/side hustle?
I early-retired 2 years ago, give or take a day. Since then, as I'm no longer staring at a computer screen for 10+ hours a day to make some c-suite weenie a few pennies richer, I've spent a lot more time on writing and improving my skill.
But I won't ever let it become a job. Because that would cut into my time gardening, cooking, reading, woodworking, drumming, hiking, storytelling, etc.
#wordweavers 31
Would you ever cosplay one of your characters? Which one?
I garbed up as Hel one year for Samhain. I think she was okay with it, but I suppose I'll find out for sure a few years down the road when she calls me home.
Unless Baron Samedi catches up to me first. Because I've borrowed his appearance a couple times also.
Sometimes it's in the office, using the big double monitors. But that's a lot of desktop space, and therefore a lot of potential distraction.
More often this time of year it's in the living room, not far from the woodstove, somehow balancing a wee Chromebook and 1-3 cats on my limited lap space.
Summertime pulls me out to the screen room, letting the buzz of the insects who cannot get at me drown out the traffic noise.
#WritersCoffeeClub 28
Thoughts on using real brand names in your writing?
In dialogue: People IRL say things like "Check your phone," not "Check your IPhone 15 Pro." I follow that lead.
In narrative: I avoid big-name chains, and my characters do the same. Walt's Diner is preferable to Denny's (for many reasons that go beyond writing) and the Mountain Motel beats the Quality Inn.
If it's critical that a character carries a Glock G19, okay...otherwise they'll be happy to have a 9mm pistol.
#WritersCoffeeClub 8
Do you write in the active voice, passive voice or a mixture? Does it matter?
Definitely a mixture.
A lot of conversation IRL uses passive voice, so I write it into my dialogue in an effort to make it sound natural. I'll also choose passive if I want a surprise at the end of a sentence, e.g. "Mr. Boddy was murdered in the Observatory by..." And absolutely if the object is the star of the sentence, e.g. "A flowing crystal hamster had been propped atop the dresser."
#writersCoffeeClub 30
How much detail do you put into character descriptions?
In my notes? A lot. On the page that the reader sees? I try to cut it down to 'just enough.'
If the firelight from the open hearth reflects on dark paneled walls, and the ancient leather chairs hold a history of cigar smoke and brandy, you can see the room.
Likewise, a brushcut man draped in a faded tropical shirt and the smell of liniment, white socks emerging from his sandals providing little contrast to his legs.