Here's a recap of what we posted to our Substack publication, Center Your Writing, in February.
February talking point
Each month, we pose a question or present a craft technique or writing life consideration and invite comments that become a kind of month-long conversation. We learn from each other and share some of our own tips and advice for getting to the page and sticking to it. Our February talking point was about story beginnings and endings, and which one we struggle with. most. Check out our readers’ responses in our wrap-up post, where we’ve also introduced March's talking point on writing motivations.
More February posts by Center teachers
Each month, Teneice Durrant, creator of Tarot with Ten, uses various tarot and oracle decks to provide monthly readings for writers, with exercises on using imagery and intuition as prompts. February's prompt was about using the Death card to develop an escalation that raises the stakes for your story’s main character. With each month's post, you can read a transcript of her reading and watch/listen as she pulls cards and shares her insights.
Helena Clare Pittman, one of the Center’s most dedicated teachers, has written, painted, and taught her entire life. In her monthly Helena Writes series, she shares a lifetime of wisdom, one pearl at a time. In her 87th post, Helena recalls a moment in a department store dressing room with her mother.
In another monthly series, Shawna Ayoub moves “beyond a book review” by not only recommending great books by diverse writers, but highlighting a technique to apply to your own writing practice. Shawna reminded us that February is a time to pay attention to how Black lives have been impacted by the systemic endeavors of the Masters—how Black individuals today are still living under the heavy mantle of oppression—and encouraged us to read Conjure Women by Afia Atakora.
And finally, we had an interview with Center writer Lori Mulligan, who just co-wrote and self-published two crime novels. She shared a bit about her creative process and what publication in a different genre, and starting a crime series, feels like.
Thanks for reading and being part of our writing community!
Until next month,
Stacia
