From the monthly archives:

February 2011

The Lost Art of Subtlety

February 23, 2011
Thumbnail image for The Lost Art of Subtlety

If I want to hear someone tell me that they want to do dirty things to me in the most obvious and boring way possible, I just throw on a skimpy pair of running shorts and go for a jog. I think all women know where to find (or, more likely, avoid) cheap compliments. But do they necessarily want to hear them from a lover?

Read the full article →

Oh No, I Said Too Much

February 21, 2011
Thumbnail image for Oh No, I Said Too Much

One of the questions that my students most frequently ask me is, “How much detail is enough, and how much detail is too much?”. Recently, I asked them to write original flash fiction, which is a very short story, always under 500 words but sometimes as short as one page long. I told my students that their work could not exceed two pages, double-spaced.

Read the full article →

Be Your Own Valentine

February 14, 2011
Thumbnail image for Be Your Own Valentine

Inspired by “A Valentine’s Day Love Letter To Myself” by Amelia McDonell-Parry, I decided to write a love letter to myself. Whether you have a significant other or not, you should consider thinking about the ways that you can be your own best Valentine. Buy yourself a special lunch or treat yourself to a massage. You deserve it!

Read the full article →

5 Things I Learned at AWP 2011

February 9, 2011
Thumbnail image for 5 Things I Learned at AWP 2011

My goal this year was to discover new ideas and techniques that I could bring back to the classroom. I also paid close attention to what other writers had to say about craft and teaching writing. I’m happy to say that I made many notes for myself, and I’m even revising my lesson plans to accommodate what I learned. Without further ado, here are five things I learned at AWP 2011.

Read the full article →