Keeping It Fresh

     Adam, my roommate, shared a link with me a few weeks ago that has, ever since, kept my writing fresh. The simple steps that I now take time for everyday has helped me sit down and do what my creativity expects: solid writing. Catherine Franz, who is a professional writing coach, has compiled 20 simple steps to keep your brain from hitting a wall. If someone told me to go look at some colors, or add strong scents to the room, in an effort to progress my writing and inspire creativity--I’d call it witchcraft.

    However, printing out these little tidbits of motivational gold and posting them on my bedroom wall, I have kept my writing completely progressive. This article just may be the antidote to writer’s block...for now. 

Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story

Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story, by Russell Banks, has the most intriguing and peculiar introduction to the characters. The entire work is made up of only a handful of characters and scenes, and the dialogue is clear and crisp. Starting the story though, Banks describes the the story in the most interesting way. 

He starts out by placing the story in Concord, New Hampshire; then goes on to explain that it could also not have happened in New Hampshire. Banks just wanted to white wash the setting in order to tell his story better. He also describes that the main character, Sarah, would die within a few sentences of the story. This, I believe, was a bold move. 

Starting this story, I didn’t want to put it down. I would fully recommend this good read.