7 Lessons Puppies Can Teach Writers

1. Puppies and writers need structure. Don't fall asleep at your writing desk.

2. Engage readers like puppies on a sniffing expedition. If my puppies get the scent of something interesting, they'll vacuum dirt.

3. Puppy training requires patience. It's easy for writers to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Don't frustrate your puppy.

4. Puppies don't hold grudges. When they're corrected they get over it, and wag their tails. May you and I be as charitable.

5. Puppies who bark constantly and jump on people are annoying. Know when to bark about your book. But don't knock people over.

6. Don't poop on your story. (two examples)

• Don't let the story wander around in long-winded scene setting
• Be sure you are actually writing a story, not a cluster of life sketches.

     7. Keep wagging your tales.

Confessions Of A Writer

A year ago, I thought I was almost finished writing my first novel, “A Killer Show.” But then I gave the manuscript to some friends who taught writing, or were authors. They had agreed to read through and critique it.

What came back knocked me over. A lot was wrong with my writing. It was hard to pull the slings and arrows out of my creative self. The story sat for a long time. Perhaps what I had learned in writing class, and tried to accomplish had been a waste of time.

Understand, this isn't about blaming anyone. Everyone who took time to read and critique my work put in time and thoughtful consideration. They were doing me a favor.

I emailed my mentor, John Yeoman, PhD in creative writing, and shared what had happened. Normally he doesn't edit for his students. This time he made an exception. Yes, there definitely was a problem with the story's structure, but it was an easy fix. He gave examples, and reassurance. I began the rewrite.

Now I'm almost finished, immensely grateful for the critiquing. The rewrites fashioned a story a hundred times better than the first one. I am so grateful.

If you're a writer, I hope this encourages you. And if you love to read books, I hope you appreciate that writing a novel is not so easy.

 “A Killer Show” will be completed and available in December this year or early 2017. When it is, you will be the first to know.

Book Characters