I've decided to see a psychic
What's the craziest thing YOU'VE ever done in the name of writing?
(For writing resources, scroll down.)
I’ve decided to see a psychic...
I want to write a scene in my current novel-in-progress in which two of the main characters visit a psychic. I got my palm read ages ago in the French Quarter of New Orleans, but I’ve never been to a psychic. So I’ve decided to go. In the name of research.
Yesterday I noticed a sign for a psychic medium in a strip mall not too far from my house. I’ve driven by that strip mall many a time, but this is the first I’ve ever noticed the sign. Intriguing…
I’m excited but also nervous. I’m not sure what to expect. Should I come with questions? Is is okay to go alone?
If you’ve ever been to a psychic or medium, I’d LOVE to know about your experience. No detail is too small. Reply to this email and tell me your story.
Also I’m curious: what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done in the name of writing research? (Not that going to a psychic is crazy, but it’s something I wouldn’t normally do.)
Writing News:
#1 Cultivating a Regular Writing Practice is starting April 2. Through four do-it-on-your-own-time email lessons, you will create a unique writing practice that works for you and keeps you writing.
This course is designed for writers at all levels, no matter where you are in your writing process. It’s the first of many courses that will be available to paid subscribers of my newsletter. It’s $5/month to subscribe, which means you will get the entire course for only $5. Other courses to come include Starting Your Novel, Sticking with Your WIP, and Querying Literary Agents.
#2 Don’t forget about the FREE virtual craft chat on this Thursday, March 31 with novelist Matt Bell, author of the excellent new craft book Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts. If you can’t make the talk, he also has a newsletter: Writing Exercises from Matt Bell.
#3 NYC Midnight’s 100-word Microfiction Challenge kicks off on April 22. You’ll be randomly assigned a genre, action, and word with which to write a micro-short-story in 24 hours. Winners in each group advance to the next round and write another story. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll be surprised with what you can come up with when the pressure’s on. The final day to register is April 21.
#4 Querying writers: mark your calendar for these upcoming April Twitter pitch parties. And be sure to read my article 13 Things to Know About Twitter Pitch Events.
April 7 (8 am—8 pm EST): #MoodPitch — BRAND NEW Twitter pitch for all un-agented authors of all genres and age categories, with a mood board image added
April 14 (8 am—8 pm EST): #LGBTNPit — annual twitter pitch event for queer, trans, and nonbinary authors with a special focus on trans and nonbinary people
#5 Black Mountain Institute (an international literary center based in Nevada) is hosting Wave In, an in-person art and music festival in Vegas May 5-7, and the line-up looks awesome. Plus, for the first time there will be free programming aimed at young readers.
#6 This year the Writing Day Workshop “How to Get Published” Conferences will be held virtually. I attended one of these conferences in person a few years ago in Philadelphia, and I thought it was fantastic. I can’t vouch for the virtual version, but there are some benefits: recorded classes, no travel expenses, attend in your comfy pants. Plus, you can sign up for Zoom pitch sessions with agents for $29 a piece. Check out the upcoming conferences (and remember, anyone can attend from anywhere; just keep the time zone in mind).
Philadelphia Writing Workshop: May 6-7, 2022
Chicago Writing Workshop: June 10-11, 2022
That’s all for now. Wish me luck at the psychic!
Sincerely,
Eva