by AnnSheybani | Sep 6, 2016 | Writing, writing lessons
Have you written a complete draft of a book, one with tons of bugs still in it? Are you wondering what comes next; what you’re supposed to do, specifically, during revision? If you’ve written a book that doesn’t require a narrative arc—motivational, self-help, or... by AnnSheybani | Sep 3, 2016 | Reading, Writing
For years I was part of a writers’ group that met each Tuesday evening in the author Anne Batterson’s living room. Two or three of the members (we were never more than four at any given time) would read what they’d been working on, and the rest of us... by AnnSheybani | Aug 31, 2016 | Life
Say what you will about social media, it’s a wonderful way to crowd source ideas. I’ve gotten some of the best book recommendations, tips, and advice after someone has posed a question on Facebook and elicited responses. I posted the following... by AnnSheybani | Aug 29, 2016 | Writing
For some strange reason, whenever I conduct a beginners’ writing workshop, one of my students invariably raises her hand and gushes on about her desire to write novels just like Jane Austen’s. Jane Austen, I insist on mentioning, did not roll out of bed one morning at... by AnnSheybani | Aug 29, 2016 | Life, Reading
When I was younger, I used to look to others, mostly men, to rescue me. I was convinced that, if left to my own devices, I would make some horrible mistake and screw up my life permanently. I had no idea who I was, what I wanted or needed, or how I felt about much of...
