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| Okay, I admit it...This is a photo from a past event that took place at Borders. But although her hairstyle has changed a bit, her blue eyes remain the same, as does her wit. |
In between doling out her tidbits of advice--things that she's learned the hard way--she passed out chocolate, she held up posterboard signs to send a strong visual message, and she had us creating slogans (more about that at the end).
Here are some of Linda's wonderful points:
* Use your time wisely. We have a limited amount of time that is free to write. Don't spend too much of it on Twitter, Facebook, and so on...
* "Write" is a verb. Don't dream about it. Do it.
* Don't make excuses--make the time.
* Change your no's to yes's. If you're prone to say things like, "No, I don't have time to write today because I have to paint the house," shift your thinking and say, "Yes, I have to paint the house today, but I'm going to carve out at least 15 minutes to write this afternoon."
* Being vague with details is passive writing and it's also passed over writing. Paint a picture using specific details.
* Court words and writing like you would a lover. Fall in love with words. Discover the erogenous zone on the blank pages. Treat your writing with as much love and attention as you would someone you were wooing.
During her session, Linda showed her prowess as an engaging speaker by keeping us active. She would occasionally prod us to proclaim "I am a writer" (with conviction), she had us write, and at one point she handed out small circles of cardboard. Everyone has a slogan or is wearing a button these days, Linda reminded us, and she prodded us to dig deep and determine what our slogan would say about us as a writer.
I came up with, "Sssh...Snarky writer at work."
What would your writing slogan say about you? It can even be a two-sided one--perhaps one serious and one more humorous...
In my next post, I am going to share how reading a story written by Dianna Graveman--the super-smart St. Louis writer, editor and business owner extraordinaire--made me snort milk out of my nose.
You hate me don't you? That's why you posted my worst photo. Actually, thank you for the kind words! You are one of my favorite writers.
ReplyDeleteLinda--It was a wonderful session. And, if you want to give me a better photo, I will gladly use it. (I know Bill knows how to show you off in your best light. His photo show skills are legend--wait for it--ary.)
ReplyDeleteThat Linda... she's always got words of wisdom ... love her! And all my WWWPs! Great advice, as always. And I do so look forward to reading about the milk-out-the-nose story...
ReplyDeleteBeth--You're right. Linda is full of great advice.
DeleteI agree with Beth! By the way Linda, that picture is lovely.
ReplyDeleteLynn--I think Linda is like most of us: she's overly critical when it comes to pictures of herself. I too think it's a lovely photo.
DeleteHow dare you call Linda O'Connell a basker! The day that fine lady entertains the thought of basking will be the day that she rests on her laurels. Not gonna happen. The day after the end of eternity, maybe. She is far too busy for basking.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed a rare photo. You must have used high-speed shutterbug techniques, like those used to capture a single flap of a hummingbird's wing, to catch Linda without a speed blur.
Val--I used some of the same techniques The Genius does when he captures liquids creating "craters" as they plop and drop down.
Delete(By the way, while she did that speaking engagement at the Borders bookstore--which sadly, is no more--she was revising two stories and submitting one between conversations with her groupies. Yes, there's no rest for the wicked...or the wickedly talented...)
As I've said before, all the fun stuff happens up North! Sorry to have missed Linda's workshop. Sounds like fun. Those tips are all great. I especially like, "Write is a verb" . . . I need to post that one around the house. My motto. Hmmm . . . I'll have to think about that one.
ReplyDeleteLisa--We Northerners don't have EVERYthing. After all, we don't have Cathy-on-a-Stick. You southern ladies have that market cornered...
DeleteThanks for sharing her secrets! I've always wondered how she does it!
ReplyDeleteTammy--We ALL wonder...
DeleteLinda is such a wonderful person -- my problem is not in writing but in submitting!
ReplyDeletePearl
Pearl--Think of it as a public service. Your stuff is too good to keep just for your blog and your books. Diversify!
DeleteGreat post. Linda is a very busy and good writer. Like Pearl said, my problem is submitting what I right. I've got to start sending things out.
ReplyDeleteJanet--Try to set goals--like maybe one submission for every 42 Linda sends out. (That means one a week, I think. ;)
DeleteThanks for the posts about the workshop, Sioux. I plan to read and learn from the wonderful presenters. I wasn't able to attend but I've heard marvelous comments about Linda's presentation.
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