Anne R. Allen's Blog... with Ruth Harris
Writing about writing. Mostly.
by Ruth Harris We all know them. Each of us has encountered them. They are the pilot fish and blood suckers with literary stars in their eyes who wannabe — drumroll — A Writer! Wannabe writers come to you with gauzy fantasies about “inspiration” and visions of overnight fame and instant riches. And they have […]
by Ruth Harris I’d been planning to write my April post about outlines. Which authors do outlines? And which ones don’t? (I don’t and neither does Anne). I’d done a bit of research and made some notes when along came AI, the hot new kid in town. How could I ignore AI when everyday I […]
writing advice from the creators of South Park by Ruth Harris The book you started with so much energy and optimism? That idea you thought was so great? Well, now that you’ve written mumble-mumble number of words, you’re not so sure. You’re beating up on yourself. You’re out of ideas. Out of gas. You’ve wasted […]
Charisma can have a dangerous side by Ruth Harris You know who they are. The superstars. The BFDs. They get the best tables, fly private, live on palatial estates. They are the ones who Have. It. All. They’re actors, influencers, corporate honchos, entertainers, TV personalities, rock stars, religious leaders, politicians and presidents. They’re the Superstars, […]
by Ruth Harris Meh. With a Shrug. The book’s not terrible. Not at all. The settings are well-drawn, the dialogue’s more than halfway decent, the reader can even tell one character from another — but, bottom line, it’s meh. With a shrug. Something’s missing. What’s the x factor? What’s the mysterious something that turns meh into mahvelous? OMG. Are […]
Anne and Ruth wish all our readers–from pre-published to professional authors– Happy Holidays and a Rewarding New Year! by Ruth Harris I’ve known and worked with a lot of writers over the years (decades). Some work first thing in the AM, others in the PM, some don’t get started until near midnight. Some write sober, […]
Clueless comments are guaranteed to drive a writer crazy by Ruth Harris Anne and Ruth are proud to host the first public release of the groundbreaking study devised and conducted by the eminent neuroscientist, Einstein Fitzhemingway, MD, PhD, PfffT, and DuH. Peer reviewed under the auspices of the prestigious research institute, VonShtupp, Dummkopf, Putz und […]
by Ruth Harris I wrote this post on writing a great first sentence as a companion-piece to Anne’s recent post on writing a great first chapter. With apologies to Jane Austen, it is a truth universally acknowledged, at least by writers and certainly by agents and editors, that no matter what genre, your first […]
Stalled first draft? Make plans for a new setting. by Ruth Harris Home is where the heart is. Or is it? Home sweet home. Or is it? You can’t go home again. Or can you? You can go from: Shirley Jackson’s spooky Hill House to the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas — The Rosemary’s Baby […]
by Ruth Harris What? There’s an upside to Impostor Syndrome? Yes. A sane, healthy mid-point exists between being stalled out by Impostor Syndrome and obnoxious, raging egomania so rancid even your dog hates you. Authentic modesty keeps you real — and productive. A certain degree of Impostor Syndrome can be the necessary spur that motivates […]
by Ruth Harris Decisions, decisions. Steak or salmon? Red or white? Wash the car or mow the lawn? Weights or barre class? Do the laundry or empty the dishwasher? Mustard or mayo? Petunias or pansies? Cheddar or Swiss? So what? What’s the big deal? Why are you wasting my time with stupid questions? I’ve got […]
by Ruth Harris Lists will make writing your book faster and easier — and bail you out when you get stuck. Lists. Grocery lists. Laundry lists. To do lists. Playlists. Witness lists Bucket lists. Wait lists Watch lists Lists run our lives. Lists keep us on track. Lists keep things simple. Lists make things clear. […]
Why you should write that author bio now by Ruth Harris The book you poured your heart into languishes on your hard drive like the wallflower at the dance — slumped shoulders, wilted corsage and all. Your crit group tries to be encouraging, but the message is clear. Go to plumbing school/welding school where you will learn […]
