Sarah Aronson's Blog, page 2
May 30, 2022
From the Newsletter: Critique FAQ’s
“To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves there lies the great, the singular power of self-respect. Without it, one eventually discovers the final turn of the screw: one runs away to find oneself and finds no one at home.” -Joan Didion
Dear Writers,
This week on Twitter, I read a number of tweets about critiquing. And how to respond to them.
So let’s talk about all of it.
How do you normally feel after receiving a critique?
Do you feel fearful? Overwhelmed? Like you have been misunderstood? Like you are a terrible writer?
There have been times when we all feel disappointed that our stories aren’t as good as we thought they were, but if being read doesn’t INSPIRE us, if we don’t feel excited to dig back in, well…we need to make some changes.
We also need to make changes if critiquing has become an exercise in Who Is The Smartest Person in this Room?
(grrrrrrrrrrrr)
So, here are my “pillars” of critiquing. Maybe they’ll be helpful. Maybe you can send me some things that have worked for your group:
First: a critique is a conversation.
That means: the writer should tell their trusted colleagues:
What they loved writingWhat they are grappling withThe why behind the story. Why it means so much to the writer.No one can offer feedback without understanding what the writer wants to accomplish.
Second: Do not discount positive comments.
When a writer knows what they are doing well, they can do more of that. They can build on their strengths. You can show them where you were engaged.
Positive feedback is not wasted time. It is not a cushion before “the real stuff.”
Third: Can you structure your criticism as questions?
By asking questions instead of telling the writer where they missed the mark, you open the door to deeper discussion and brainstorming. All of us aren’t just writers. We’re readers, too. Find mentor texts that offer examples of what you hope the writer can accomplish. Discuss the places that drew you in and why other places didn’t work for you, one reader.
A reminder: our goal (as readers) is to help the writer accomplish the story THEY want to tell. Our goal, as readers, should be to empower the writer to take new chances and see new possibilities. Our goal as writers is to open our minds and hearts to possibilities. We can’t resist revision. A critique should offer us a way forward. But if you are anxious or not ready to hear critical questions, it is FINE to ask for “just the positives.”
Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Here are some things to try BEFORE you send to your writer friends:
1) Tell your story TO someone. Telling your story aloud helps you work out some kinks.
2) Get the draft on paper. Don’t worry if it’s good; just finish it. Put the words on paper.
3) Don’t write with the goal of changing kids’ lives. That can lead to heavy, irritating prose. Just share what delights or enrages or fascinates you. Focus on STORY. Embrace the child’s eye.
4) Stop EXPLAINING. Readers love stories, and we hate having everything explained to us.
5) Ignore rules about marketing and trends. Instead, be inspired by other books! Think about what has worked for you AS A READER. Then apply what you love to your story.
6) Why are you writing this story? What does it mean to you? How has your life set you up to create this story? Mine YOUR backstory–not just your characters’.
7) Writing can be exhausting. Imposter syndrome happens to us all. So does writers block. It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like your story does not matter. So find strategies to overcome those moments–to validate your work. Find ways to reward your progress. Also: take social media breaks.
8) EAT DESSERT FIRST. Write what makes you happy!!!! When we are happy, we are more confident. When we are more confident, we take more chances. When we take chances, we find new scenes. Bottom line: it’s a whole lot easier to hear what readers think about your manuscript when you have reached out of your comfort zone. When we are confident in ourselves and our group, we can hear more than the negatives from our critiques. When we are confident, we soar!
The post From the Newsletter: Critique FAQ’s appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
December 30, 2021
From the newsletter: all three GOALS posts in one.
Dear Writers,
It’s December, the month of reflection and goal setting.
Last year, I didn’t set goals. There were too many questions, too many fears. I was happy enough to feel creative. I wanted to give myself a break.
But this year, hope IS in the air. Travel is on my calendar. I have goals–goals that feel like dreams–and even better, goals that feel like a reach and a stretch.
It feels good.
Over the next few weeks, I will reflect about my year and set goals for 2022. I will look back and forward. I will make a plan. Obviously, surprises happen. No one can predict what might happen. But I like having something to strive for. It’s an easy way to welcome inspiration.
So, today, let’s take the first step. Let’s look back. And celebrate. Let’s forget all those feelings of being stuck or falling behind. Let’s not measure ourselves against others. Instead, let’s find the glimmers in our year. Let’s celebrate all the things we got done–all the things we tried–and all the chances we took.
Are you with me?
Let’s do this.
Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Take out your notebook. Write down at least ten things you did this year.
Did you write a draft?
Did you query agents?
Did you get a rejection?
Did you take care of kids/parents/friends?
Remember a day when you felt joy.
A day when you wrote something profound!
A day when you figured out a plot turn.
A nice day.
A day you got a compliment.
This year, we all experienced angst, frustration and rage. But we also helped each other. We achieved new goals–even if they weren’t set in stone. We accomplished A LOT.
When you have your “highlights reel,” take the whole week to celebrate all you did for your family, friends, creativity, and career.
Dec 13, 2021Know yourself to improve yourself.-August Comte
Dear Writers,
Last week, I invited you to make a list of achievements. I hope you found this activity both humbling, gratifying, and maybe you are even a little impressed with yourself.
Here’s my rundown:
I taught a lot. And I loved it!
I drafted an adult novel and a chapter book. I revised a bunch of picture books.
I visited family.
My husband and I made a real effort to slow down. We were also so happy to be able to see and hug the kids and grands.
We helped our son move into his first apartment.
I took a few classes. I read a lot. I queried new agents. I wrote something for Parents.
I cooked new vegetarian dishes. I learned new recipes that didn’t have a lot of sugar in them.
I didn’t miss a Monday!
I reached out to new and old friends.
Notice: all my achievements were things I could control! My goals never have anything to do with luck! (I work very hard to treat LUCK like a special surprise!)
So now, next step, let’s look at HOW we did this. How did we get all this great work done?
Today, make a list of your best practices, the things you do when you are “feeling it.”
When do you like to write? And when are you most productive?
Do you like assignments?
Or do you do best when you keep your schedule flexible?
What do you need to get started? (Besides coffee!) Do you like your routine? Or do you need a new one? (If you are looking for a new one, let’s talk!!!) Are you into Morning Pages? Or do you exercise first? What works for you?
How long do you need to feel accomplished? Or do you get motivated by reaching a daily word count? Is it the year to try new methods?
When do you read? Rest? Replenish?
What else can you do to support your writing life?
Are you feeling good about your writing? If not, why not?
Do you have support?
Are you getting regular feedback?
Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Once you identify your best practices, look ahead. To the calendar. I bet it’s not empty.
Good stuff first: What are you looking forward to?
Travel?
A book release to plan for?
Family events you will be attending?
Do you have a deadline you must meet?
A class you MUST take?
Virtual commitments count!
Also: obligations.
Sometimes, stuff happens that takes you away from your writing. And that is not a bad thing. We all need time to fill the well, but how often do we think about this with intention? How often do we schedule time off? Or time with friends? Or family?
Today, let’s come up with a response for good days and the ones where we can’t get anything done.
A mantra that reminds yourself that YOU are a writer.
You have so much to say.
You are doing great work.
Every day is not the same.
The writing year will offer ups and downs, surprises, and rewards. We will have our epiphanies. We will find stories in surprising places. Sometimes we need down time. Sometimes, we will be productive. I like to think of my year in terms of gathering and producing. The gathering happens when I try new things. The producing happens when I am not busy–when I can put my creativity first.
So last, make a list of all the ways you can validate your work–before sale. What is your definition of support? Do you have someone to push you? To talk with? This is the time to reach out. Thank your community. And look ahead to how we can support each other. This is how we will maintain confidence in ourselves and our stories–no matter what we face this year.
Next week, we do it! We set short and long term goals.
Dec 20, 2021When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’
Lao Tzu
We have looked at our accomplishments.
We have thought about how we get things done–our best practices.
We have looked forward to the events already on the calendar for the year ahead.
Now, we do it.
We set some goals.
Remember: This is the work you do for yourself.
(My job is easy: suggest stuff that might work. And cheer you on.)
Let’s start with short term goals:
Short term goals will vary from week to week. So no need to plan too far into the future.
Instead, let’s make a commitment to make play and creativity a priority. Process is the goal.
Each week, set a goal to stay excited about writing. Acknowledge other commitments.
ADD FUN to your schedule.
And of course, don’t ignore your other priorities that inspire you and bring you joy.
Know yourself. If writing every day is the way YOU get things done, set a small goal that you can accomplish.
If you are a morning writer, keep your mornings open.
If you need deadlines to make it work, find a class that will foster accountability and community.
Let’s set a goal not to judge ourselves, okay?
Each week will be different.
Sometimes, we reach.
Sometimes, we have to be happy with modest goals.
The one thing we don’t do: say SHOULD.
If you meet your short term goals, great! Give yourself a prize.
If you find it difficult to process, have a contingency plan in place.
What will you do if you experience writer’s block? Or get a tough rejection? Or feel confused? Or overwhelmed?
Don’t blame yourself!
Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s avoiding a task that seemes unpleasant. To interrupt that pattern, focus less on the dread of starting the task today—and more on the joy of finishing it tomorrow. -Adam Grant
Today, write down three things you can do to get unstuck,
Also: know yourself. There are probably things you do when you are stuck that don’t help. (Like twitter.)
You know your habits. You know all the ways a day can go right…and wrong. So…if there is something you do when you are feeling stuck, acknowledge it. And find a strategy for avoiding that thing (for me: socials) that wreck your day. Instead, make a plan that promotes creativity.
Like: drawing. Or walking. Or side writing. Or cooking. Whatever works FOR YOU.
Remember: This is the work you do for yourself.
By creating short term goals, you validate the process. You gain confidence. You learn about yourself. You help yourself deal with fear and other obstacles.
Moderate sized goals next:
Instead of asking what you SHOULD do, ask: what will bring me back to the desk?
What project is making me happy–right now?
Are you someone who can work on two things at once? Or not?
Dig deep.
What do you want to say in your story?
What sparks your imagination?
Is there something you are afraid of–that triggers self doubt?
Even when we are excited about an idea, the work can get difficult. So divide your goals into the things you like to do…and the things that are going to make you feel very vulnerable. Anticipate breaks you may need.
Make a plan for the things that are most important: like your family and friends.
Remember: there are many things about the writing life that are difficult.
There is marketing.
There is asking for help.
There is the doubt that comes at many different moments.
So prepare for all of it.
Can you set a goal to put yourself first…at least some of the time?
Again, create a contingency plan. (Just like writing a book, my first goals are usually way too ambitious. But my revised goals often work great!)
Resilience is the key to setting goals that work. We all know that surprises happen.
SIDE BAR: How do I prepare for disappointment/change of plans/new goals?
I practice optimism.
I journal about times when I overcame adversity.
I don’t take it personally.
I remind myself: writing is a process! The process is the point. The goals I set now are arbitrary. If I need more time, I will take it. That doesn’t make me a failure.
Remember: This is the work you do for yourself.
This is your permission slip–to reach as far as you can. Product is NOT the only way to measure your progress.
And if 2022 offers us surprises?
We will face them together.
Ask yourself: What do you want?
What stories are calling you?
What will make you happy?
If you change your mind, it’s okay.
If you work on more than one thing, it’s okay.
If you need to stop writing and read for three months…guess what….
That
Is
Okay.
Are you ready to stretch? Reach? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Last, let’s think about what you want to say you’ve accomplished by the end of 2022.
Go ahead….THINK BIG. Like REALLY BIG. Like Big Dreams big.
(As long as it doesn’t depend on luck.)
What do you want to have accomplished? What do you want to have done for YOURSELF.
Last week, in a school visit, my sister (the teacher) asked me to divide up my process into three categories:
The listening phase
The independent phase
The work together phase
It made me think about goals. And how we can divide up the process into these phases as a means of staying excited about the work.
Last words for 2021, a year of many challenges:
Believe in yourself.
Believe in your abilities.
Believe in your capacity for growth and change and love of story.
This week, get a notebook. Set your goals.
Write a mantra on a card.
We don’t know what surprises the world will offer, but we do know we have stories to share.
This is the gift you give yourself.
This is the work we will do.
This is a new year.
The post From the newsletter: all three GOALS posts in one. appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
October 22, 2021
Soup Season
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor. -Marge Kennedy
Hi Friends,
There is a chill in the air, and that means one thing in this house, and that thing is SOUP.
I love making soup. Not just because it is delicious. Not just because I LOVE one-bowl dinners. I love making soup because making soup is like writing a story.
How?
Let’s start cooking!
Ask anyone who knows me: When I make soup, I don’t always follow the recipe. I trust my instincts–and my nose–and I play. That’s how I feel when I am drafting, too. When I write/cook what makes me happy, I am always pleased with the results.
Sometimes, I shop for ingredients. But sometimes, my best soups begin with one ingredient sitting in the fridge that needs to be used NOW. (Hello! Chopped Kitchen! I am waiting for my moment!) Starting with one unusual ingredient sparks my imagination. It’s sort of like a spark of inspiration that happens when I’m in the middle of a draft. I find something unusual or contradictory, and it changes the whole scene.
Soup also requires some attention. It also takes a while to cook. You cannot rush your revision just like you cannot rush soup no matter how much you want to. You also have to taste the soup to get the flavors right. (That isn’t a bug–it’s a feature!) Just like stories, you have to listen to your ingredients. Each batch is unique.
When I make soup, I feel creative. I get a lot of great ideas. A few years ago, while making matzo ball soup, I was so inspired, I actually wrote a story about the power of soup, blended families, and the most important ingredient in both those things, LOVE.
It’s called Brand New Bubbe.
And it is being published in August 2022, by Charlesbridge with illustrations by Ariel Landy! (I am over the moon!)
So here is a warning. Or how about we call it the dinner bell? (And I don’t mean the smoke alarm, although sometimes that goes off, too.)
Do you like soup? If yes, I’m going to be posting recipes.
Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share? Send it!
Are you a grandma? Or a future grandma? Or you have a grandma? Or you miss your grandma?
Well, this book is about grandmas, too!
An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup. -H. L. Mencken
Also:
A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting. -Abraham Maslow
What’s YOUR favorite soup? What’s your best tip for making a great soup?
Let’s get ready for the season of soup!
The post Soup Season appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
October 19, 2021
From the newsletter: Good Art Friends
This week was a busy week for me. I had deadlines and reading to do. And I am making great progress on my revision.
This week was also the week of the Bad Art Friend. If you haven’t read it, there are many twists, turns, and opinions to this story, none of which I’m going to think about here.
I would rather ask: what makes a good art friend?
Are you lucky enough to have a good art friend?
A friend who listens to you.
A friend who will brainstorm with you.
A friend who is honest and authentic–about their stuff and yours.
A friend who will remind you that being a slow writer doesn’t mean you aren’t a good writer.
A friend that will read your work and tell you what is working.
A friend who will show up for you–when you need it. And maybe take a walk. Or get a coffee.
A friend who forgives your worst day.
A friend that celebrates you–when you need celebrating and when you don’t.
I bet we all have friends like that.
Because none of us do this hard work alone.
As we write, we lean on each other for help, confidence, validation, answers.
We all have good days.
We all face challenges.
Our good art friends remind us that we all have something to say–and that our journeys, which are all co-exisiting at different paces, paths, and starting spots, are ALL valid. They remind us not to take ourselves too seriously. And that when problems come–which they always do–none of us are alone.
Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Last week, I said: our vulnerability IS our strength.This week: thank your GOOD art friends.
Then go to the manuscript. Who is the good friend in your story? Is there a person in your book who believes in your protagonist? Who sees the good in them, even when the protagonist is acting badly?
Take it to the journal.
In your good friend’s point of view, write about what is going on with your protagonist. Be honest. And kind. This is not a take down. Talk to this good friend. See what you can discover about your story.
And have a great writing week!
The post From the newsletter: Good Art Friends appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
August 9, 2021
From the newsletter: Pressure, Expectations, and Ambition
The outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before. -Simone Biles
I gave up my struggle with perfection a long time ago. That is a concept I don’t find very interesting anymore. Everyone just wants to look good in the photographs. I think that is where some of the pressure comes from. Be happy. Be yourself, the day is about a lot more. -Anne Hathaway
Dear Writers,
Writers, ever since I was about 11 years old, I have been having a recurring dream. I call it the 99% dream.
In the dream, a fairy or magician visits me and grants me 99% perfection. Sometimes, it’s in gymnastics. Or tennis. Sometimes, it’s for singing on Broadway. (Note: all things I am not good at.) In my dream, the performance begins, and I AM AMAZING. Absolutely perfect. I stay asleep, enjoying the moment, until the VERY SECOND when I am responsible for the performance. Then I wake up in a cold sweat.
I have never once dreamed the last one percent–the part where I must perform without the magic.
Sometimes, this makes me sad. Like it says something bad about me. Like I have disappointed myself.
Too much pressure can skew everything.
But it’s not always terrible.
Sometimes, pressure feels like adrenaline–it means the stakes are high. Sometimes, it is just the manifestation of how deeply we care. I am a big believer in big dreams–in reaching outside your comfort zone.
But I am NOT for thinking that way if it takes away the joy. And I think it’s dangerous to define success in only one way. In my dream, perfection is the only standard. That isn’t real. In real life, I pride myself on my willingness to fail. As Simone showed us: we ARE so much more than our medals, our books, our accomplishments.
So: How can we control pressure before it makes us tighten up and even panic? How can we quiet the dissenting voices that add stress and unhappiness to our creative lives? How can we stop telling ourselves that we have no business getting into the arena?
There are no easy answers. But let’s start with this:
How do YOU define success?
Take the case of Isaiah Jewett, a runner who was inadvertently tripped and fell during his race. But he got up and along with the other injured runner, finished the race.
He said: “I’m super blessed because not a lot of people got to be here. I have to live in that moment, not the moment that just happened…I’m able to go on to this stage and show you guys that this is me. That’s what I want to continue to do, to show who I am. If it wasn’t today, I’ll try again tomorrow. That’s not going to stop me from trying to be a hero.”
Yes. Sometimes, we stumble. Sometimes, we have to take a step back. We, too, must pick ourselves up. We must constantly redefine what success looks like. (Finishing that race was joyful–the spirit of the competition.)
During this very long, very scary year, many of us had a hard time writing. Others had a hard time reading. We felt pressure to overachieve–to always be brave and grateful and positive. We berated ourselves for not being great at everything all the time when we should have been congratulating ourselves for acknowledging our limits and taking care of ourselves.
Writers, it takes great courage to ask for what you need, to step back. To say no. To say I cannot do this. But to make room for creativity, sometimes, this is exactly what we must do. We must listen to ourselves. We must be kind to ourselves. We must stop rushing and racing and hoping for something faster. There are going to be sad days. Scary days. Days filled with doubt. We know this. We must remember that we are more than our accomplishments, more than our deals, our word count, our next steps.
When we need space, we don’t need to apologize to anyone.
Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
What do you do when you feel under extreme pressure?
When I am feeling stressed, I try something I don’t think I will ever be good at–so NO expectations. So, failure is no surprise. (Except golf. That game is totally aggravating.)
For me, working without expectations can mean writing in a genre I’ve never tried before. Or drawing! Sometimes it means taking a walk (without the phone). Or turning off social media.
Today, take this to the journal. Think about what triggers this pressure. What can you do to lessen it? (How about read a funny book? Or phone a friend and talk about something other than publishing.)
When you do something for purposes of FUN and exploration, the pressure melts away. You forget about product. You remember that the feelings of accomplishment come from the process, the exploration, the digging to find more. That doesn’t mean there won’t be failing. Failure is probably the most predictable part of every step in our field. But it doesn’t have to bench us.
Writers, in honor of Simone, let’s honor our boundaries, our needs, our strengths. Let’s play with patience and humor. Take the pressure off the docket. Instead, let’s make a practice of approaching our goals with honesty and humility, so we can also find our voices and even happiness.
Talking about the three C’s: creativity, curiosity, and community is my jam! If you want to be part of the conversation, let’s connect!
The post From the newsletter: Pressure, Expectations, and Ambition appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
July 26, 2021
From the newsletter: Revision is like moving day.
All daring starts from within.
-Eudora Welty
Dear Writers,
Over the last two weeks, my son has been packing his things and moving to a new apartment. As he packed, I thought about how much his process was like my revision process! (Yes, I think my super power is turning ANYTHING into a writing lesson.)
First, he put everything he had in the boxes.
Note: my son is a reader. And a history buff. And a collector. So there were a lot of books. He thought he was done with the hard work.
But of course, packing the boxes (or writing the draft) is just the beginning.
Early on, it became clear that there were too many boxes. We urged him to put some aside–for giveaway. But mostly, he still held on tight. “What if I need this book?” he asked more than a few times.
(Are you nodding your head? How many times have you tried to revise your story without giving anything away? How many hours have you spent writing around some darlings–so you could keep them?)
Then the truck came. They took everything to the new apartment. We were lucky to find two gigantic used bookcases.
But they were not enough.
So, as he unpacked, he began to make a few more giveaway boxes. In other words: he tapped into what he wanted. And he made space for new things. He looked at his things with new eyes–it was easier to do that in a new setting.
Instead of holding on tight, he kept what he needed.
Also, in one of the boxes, a surprise:
(I love surprises. It was fun thinking back to when he first played with Pokemon.)
At the end of the day, along with some of these figures (he gave the bulk to some family friends), he displayed his prized collection of campaign buttons, some dinosaurs, a bowling pin from his bar mitzvah, his first teddy bear, a Darth Vader mask, and a wooden rhinoceros. His books, now in full view, tell a story of a young man interested in how the world works and leaders with big ideas–and of course, flaws. Most important: by giving some things away, he figured out what I learn every single time I write a draft and begin to revise. The surprises are waiting. The glimmers are there. The subconscious was speaking authentically from the beginning.
There is still more work to do.
Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
Pressing DELETE is not easy for most people. But when you do, you make room for your glimmers!
Eudora Welty is right. The daring starts from within.
Take a chapter you are working on. Find the line (or even the word) that YOU find most essential, the glimmer in your writing, the line that speaks most clearly to your intent for the chapter.
Now put it on the top of a blank page. And reimagine that chapter. Do not peek at your old work. See what you discover when you have emptied out those boxes and you’re left with what is most important to you. See what you discover when you are not trying to keep everything you have written. Give yourself some SPACE. Some room to explore.
Dare yourself to reimagine that scene and see it in a new way.
The post From the newsletter: Revision is like moving day. appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
June 17, 2021
From the newsletter: Three Days at Highlights
Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind – even if your voice shakes. -Maggie Kuhn
Dear Writers,
After all these months of working from home, searching for creativity from my living room, waiting for hugs, I did it! I spent a few great days at The Highlights Foundation, and now–WHOAH. I am feeling inspired.
I had three days to put my writing first.
Three days to talk with writing friends.
Three days with time to imagine and grow, to take chances, and listen for my voice. I went there with a number of projects and I now have some plans and stories to write.
There is magic there!
Also: I got solid evidence that a change of scenery, good food, and community is good for the creative heart.
My favorite moment came near the end of my visit. Writers and friends from Highlight’s Career, Craft, and Community workshop joined together to share our stories and read aloud.
I always find it so inspiring to hear writers reading their stories–not just because it is an act of bravery and trust (although that’s a big part of it). In every story, I heard heart. I felt yearning. I could imagine the days and weeks and months and maybe even years of those three I’s: Inspiration, Intuition, and Intellect. I laughed and dabbed my eye and thought deeply about what everyone wanted to say to young readers. Hearing other writers read also lets me hear great words that spark my imagination. It helps me tap into my own hopes, dreams, and characters.
Are you ready to reach? Stretch? Groan? Embrace the power of play?
This week, find a poem.
Read it aloud.
(You don’t need an audience.)
Make a list of the words that are the most fun to say, the ones that linger, the words that made you love reading.
Then take it to the journal: Weave those words into your story. Your ears have something to add to your draft. See what happens!
The post From the newsletter: Three Days at Highlights appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
July 29, 2019
Ask For More.
From today’s newsletter.
July 29, 2019
If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.
Nora Roberts
Dear Writers,
This week while not writing, I stumbled on The Crane Wife, in the Paris Review.
If you have some time, read it. It’s about love. And self worth.
And the compromises we make.
It’s about making do with less, when we should be asking for more.
It’s about living for a long time without being seen. And it’s also about finally speaking up–and living the life you deserve and want.
Does any of that resonate?
It definitely resonated for me.
Asking for more–for what we want–can be hard, whether we’re talking about relationships. Or writing. It is so much easier to feel unworthy. To hide. To not reach. To not ask. To hope that somehow, you will get what you want.
But every week, I remind myself: REACHING IS MANDATORY.
ASKING is how we get.
And when it comes to writing, that audacious, bold, scary step can be the one that helps you find the confidence to find the story. It can be what connects you to character. And voice.
Are you ready to stretch? To dream big. Are you ready to believe in yourself?
And not be afraid to ask for more?
I agree with Robert Olen Butler’s theory that stories are written from and emerge from a white hot center, or in other words, a subconscious state where dreams are made–where our fears are peeled away–and we are free to ask for more.
Butler advises artists never to flinch while staring down their demons.
That’s not easy.
Because when we do, we are vulnerable. But it is that vulnerability that raises the stakes for your story and no coincidence, your writing life.
So today, take a moment to journal. (with a pencil.) Remember a time when you asked for more. When you had the audacity to demand it.
Find that center. Poke at it. Tend it. Make it burn. Apply this to your character.
If you ask for MORE from your writing day, you will get it. GO ON. DREAM IT.
Then have a FANTASTIC writing week!
You deserve it.
Sarah
The post Ask For More. appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
January 1, 2019
Writer’s Pledge for 2019
In 2018, my word for the year was SANCTUARY.
This year, my word is GUSTO. And to keep the gusto going, I’m going to make some promises to myself.
This is not going to be easy!
Saying goodbye to your Internal editor is an ongoing process! I’m putting you in my lovely Wedgewood dish–the one with the tight lid. I’m going to try some new strategies–when I feel that judgmental voice sneaking in, I’m going to stretch. Or walk. Anything but look at my phone.When I am drafting, I am not going to write backwards. Or edit. Or worry about perfection. Instead, I will leave myself notes. I will write out of order. Where there is gusto, there will be play! I have some ideas that need some attention. I need to get some words on paper!When revising, I am going to ask questions. I will not be afraid to change directions. I will hear feedback with enthusiasm. With an open heart. I will entertain new possibilities. I will consider the eraser (and delete button) a friend. A good friend.This year, I have two books coming out. That is AMAZING! I am proud of myself, and I am going to ENJOY it. I am not going to worry about ANYTHING that is out of my control. I am going to be Just Like Rube Goldberg.2019 is going to be a Rube-a-palooza! I have so many exciting things planned. But first and foremost, I can’t wait to dive into some new stories and characters!
The post Writer’s Pledge for 2019 appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
October 23, 2018
Meet Alan Silberberg . . . and The Latkes!
My first question is always the same: WHY? Why Latkes? Why children’s books? Or is that too obvious! (Those latkes look great!)Alan: I never thought about creating picture books, which is probably weird considering I write and draw. Anyway, one thing I do like creating is silly “Book-Toons”; little animations that I put online. About 5 years ago I created a Hanukkah cartoon to send to family and friends, which was a short, goofy family of Latkes wishing “Happy Holidays”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6UgtEB3X-UAfter getting this card for the 3rd year my agent, Jill Grinberg asked if I could see this as a book! Sarah: I LOVE stories like this. Serendipity is one of my favorite words. So you said….Alan: Sure…. then came the hard part. I wrote a story about a family of Latkes and added Grandpa and Lucy, the young daughter. The story was broad and funny (like now) but had one problem. 99% of the editors who read were turned off that the Latkes were making latkes for a party, which meant my Latkes were cannibals!!!Sarah: That is a problem.Alan: But as we all know – it only takes one “yes” to make the “no”s disappear. Leila Sales, then at Penguin/Viking saw the goofy fun of the family and understood what I wanted, which was to create a silly holiday story about CHHHHHH-anukah! She asked if I would be okay working with her on the story without a commitment from the publisher – and I jumped at the chance to collaborate. Several revisions later (and no more eating latkes) the story was finalized… and still hysterically funny… I had my first picture book sold.Sarah: LOVE this story behind the story!Also: I LOVE latkes! Do you have a favorite recipe?
Alan: “Seat Of The Pants – No Egg”. Because my wife is allergic to eggs my recipe avoids those pesky things entirely. To be honest, I just go with the flow and grate a whole lot of potatoes BY HAND! No food processor will mess with my Latkes. Next I take handfuls of the grated potato and SQUEEZE out the moisture which is kind of gross and satisfying at the same time.Sarah (interrupting): I love that part, too.Alan (continuing): Once the potato splat is squeezed – I grate onions until I cry (2-3) then add half a handful of flour, some salt…. mix it up and I make LATKES. Even without egg, the mixture fries up nice as long as the oil is really, really HOT! We like ours crispy so I let them cook and cook.
I eat them first with applesauce. Then sour cream. Then I mix the two up into a yummy mess on my plate and just go wild!Sarah: I do that, too! I love the SWIRL! I also like caviar on latkes. I call it “the Elizabeth Taylor.”So now let’s get to business, people.
To get a chance to win a SIGNED COPY of MEET THE LATKES (latkes not included) but even better, pAN ORIGINAL DOODLE (Oy–what a prize!!!),you have to comment here.Or RT the Twitter post.Or Like the post on Facebook.I will pick a winner NEXT TUESDAY. Evanston Friends: While I’m away, Alan will be at BOOKED, the new indie in Evanston! Go say Hi for me!
The post Meet Alan Silberberg . . . and The Latkes! appeared first on Sarah Aronson, Author.
