Monthly Archives: September 2007

A literary Simon Cowell may be needed

Not all writing is created equal. I’m all for encouraging young, talented writers. But is it really kindness if a writer is in his or her mid-40s and still writes less well than the average fifth grader, to continue encouraging their delusion that they are destined to be the next Stephen King or James Patterson …

September 23, 2007 – 1:06 AM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

The value of cultural literacy

As a messianic believer, I’m not one to obsess over Christmas gift ideas since I celebrate Hannukah. However, some gifts are appropriate no matter what creed or belief system guides you to the holidays you celebrate. Other gifts are more culturally specific. Studying up on such matters can add a richness to your fiction if …

September 23, 2007 – 12:55 AM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Being inventive, MacGyver-style!

Sometimes a Chrysler 300 accessory can save the world. If you believe this is not so, you’ve obviously never watched an episode of MacGyver growing up. I’ve never written that sort of show and really admire the creativity and tech know-how it must take to write it. Of course, most of the solutions on MacGyver …

September 18, 2007 – 10:15 PM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Working consistently toward completion

One of the biggest traps for writers, especially writers of longer works, is working consistently toward completion of a project. The longer a work is, the harder it is to stay focused until completion. That’s because the real creative part of writing comes in the early going. If it’s fiction, it’s the joy of plotting …

September 18, 2007 – 9:22 PM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

A clean, well-lit room

Home theater lighting isn’t just for movie viewing anymore. In fact, I doubt it ever was given that home theater movies are best viewed in total darkness. At least, that’s how I feel about it. Instead, I find that a lot of the time, I prefer to do my writing in a well-lit room. It …

September 17, 2007 – 11:35 PM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Waiting to see yourself in print

Waiting to see yourself in print is a high-anticipation activity. It’s a bit scary, completely thrilling, but definitely not a way to get a calm, early night’s sleep. Still, as the day draws close that you’ll soon see your article published alongside other names, you begin to go a bit stir-crazy and start thinking along …

September 9, 2007 – 11:17 PM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Kiki’s as a great place for the "expectant mother" to shop

Whether you’re a writer or a pregnant mom, but especially if you’re both, Kiki’s Fashions is a great place to shop for maternity clothes. The styles won’t make an expectant mother look like a grandmother or 20 years older than they are; the styles are cute, flirty and attractive. Women, if you still want to …

September 3, 2007 – 9:18 PM | By Craig Hansen | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments (0)