Tag: writers

On being a helpful reader and not an a-hole

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

I have the privilege to know several brilliant people who, for some reason, value my opinion and ask me to read and comment on their manuscripts. The problem with that is when I’m caught-up in my own nonsense, I can be an Omega Level a-hole. So, to remind myself and anyone else in that position to not-be an ineffective and potentially damaging reader, I’ve put together a list of guidelines to keep in mind. (Note: I’m writing this at 2:37AM, so if I ramble, there’s your reason).

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Desks and…

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Over on Facebook, The Writer’s Circle posted a writing prompt about a chosen hero and a sword. That’s quite specific, which a lot of writers don’t like, but is my favorite type of prompt because I get to try to do something that both meets the prompt and looks at it in a different way. I like how this little banger came out, so decided to drop it here. Enjoy!

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Friday Morning FYI – 8/14/2015

Ron Delaney Jr1 Comment

Welcome to your Friday Morning FYI – my chance to share observations/wisdom/rants in short, easily consumed form.

This week’s FYI is a quote ripped from a brief text conversation I had a few days ago with the brilliant Tabitha Lord (follow her blog here). We were discussing pics of us at WDC15 Writer’s Digest posted to their Facebook page, and I noted how great it is she’s always smiling. This was her response:

My trick: I surround myself with people I really, really like 😀

Words to live by, people.

 

Thanks for reading,

{RDj}

Thoughts on #WDC15 (Writer’s Digest Conference 2015)

Ron Delaney Jr6 Comments

WDC2014 was the first writer’s conference I’d ever attended. I learned so much, including how not-ready my first book was for shopping (me shopping it to agents, not the book going out to buy shoes, or something), met some of the most creative/dedicated/fun people, and left feeling like a member of a supportive community. So to say I was looking forward to WDC2015 is a whale of an understatement. I couldn’t wait to get there, and spent the previous week daydreaming about experiencing the same incredible vibe I’d gotten the year before.

But after an hour at WDC2015, I knew that wouldn’t be the case.

Dramatic Cat

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Where am I?

Ron Delaney JrLeave a comment

Temporary roommates still asleep in their rooms, I can’t get up and out because I have no key to get back in. Need to wait for them to get up to sort that out. MEANWHILE, the thoughts doth run!

——————————————

 
It’s a Saturday, and I’m on the other side of the world…

… Not in the coffee shop, gently handed a tea.
Not by the fireplace, the perfect spot for me.
Not hammering away at my new book,
Not having laughter distract me from work.
Not looking out on the slow river low,
Not knowing whether to stay or to go.

 
It’s a Saturday, and I’m on the other side of the world…

… In a small room, typing away.
Sheltered from the heat of the day.
Soon I’ll emerge, and go and explore
In part to escape the snoring next door.
And to distract from where I might be
Jealous about a trip to the trees.

 
It’s a Saturday, and I’m on the other side of the world…

… Planning the train route to go and view art
While wondering about my greater part,
My focus blurred by the echoes of steps
And the fall’s howl, stuck hard in my head.
Lingering visions of lavender and peach
Within arms length, but just out of reach.

 
It’s a Saturday, and I’m on the other side of the world.
 

Thanks for reading,
{RDj}