I became lost earlier this evening while running a 10K race over the trails in Kincaid Park. I was talking with a running friend and we both missed the small yellow prompt and ended up at the finish line a mile too early. Later, driving home, I wondered: How often in life have I missed a turn and finished too… Read More Lost
It may be 80 degrees throughout much of the country but here in Alaska, it’s cold and cool, with temps in the mid- to upper-50s. I spent most of the weekend writing. My agent sent a senior reader review of the first half of my second novel, Waiting for My Daughter’s Ghost, and I was pleased… Read More Summer, Alaska style
Today was a good writing day and a much-needed one, too, since I had been in a slump, had dreaded sitting down at my desk. I’d sit there and play Spider Solitaire and wait for inspiration or clarity or even my goddamn muse, who had apparently abandoned me. Finally I’d write and oh, what dreadful writing,… Read More Chapter Six, and Alaska sunset (at 11 p.m.)
I’m always afraid to submit a manuscript to a publisher or literary magazines. I mean, it’s so scary, isn’t it? Anonymous editors judging our work and maybe even making snarky comments to the co-editor sitting next to them. I know. I used to work as an editor and yes, sometimes I did make snarky comments,… Read More Submission fears
In the summer when tourists flock up to Alaska and clog the Seward Highway with rental cars and RVs, they always remark on the beauty of Alaska. They tell me lucky I am to live here, how they wish that they lived here, too. How visiting Alaska was their dream. How they will ever, ever… Read More Slogging through the Alaska spring
I love solitude, love being alone, love the way silence folds around my head and shuts out the world until nothing exists but my thoughts and the wind (if I am outside) or the cats purring (if I’m inside). I write best after being alone for a few hours, and in those hours I seemingly do… Read More Of Writing and Solitude
I spent the day at Fireside Books out in Palmer, and guess what I did? I got to sign more books. David Cheezem invited me for an early afternoon of signing books in his cozy and wonderful store, and I had such a good time that after we ate lunch, I returned for the rest of… Read More Second book signing, and “Dolls” giveaway
Usually after I receive an acceptance, my inbox quickly fills with rejections. This time was different. This time I received a second acceptance. Cactus Heart Press wants one of my creative nonfiction pieces. Yes, please! Nothing much else happening. I’m stuck in my second novel again. Can’t seem to write. Nothing budges, not one damned… Read More Another acceptance, and writer’s block
damselfly press accepted one of my poems for its 22nd or 23rd issue. So exciting! Can’t wait to see the issue. Of course this means that my email inbox will soon be stuffed with other magazines rejecting other pieces of my work. It’s inevitable: As soon as I receive an acceptance or award, the rejections… Read More Another poetry acceptance
Cinthia Ritchie 