by Jocosa Wade | Apr 14, 2021 | Creativity, Inspiration, Memoir, Revision, Writers life
More than anything— other than living a writer’s life— I dreamed of becoming a famous actress. Fame was essential. It was the only level of validation that would prove to my family I wasn’t a self-serving wastrel. I studied the craft, auditioned, performed, and I...
by Jocosa Wade | Apr 7, 2021 | Inspiration, Revision, whores of negativity, Writers life, Writing tools
Jump back to the first time I went to make groceries in New Orleans. My oldest son was in the cart. He wasn’t strapped in or harnessed and often climbed back and forth between the seat and the cart, and I never gave it a second thought— Remember that. We zipped around...
by Jocosa Wade | Mar 17, 2021 | Creativity, Inspiration, Revision, Writers life, Writing tools
Now that the 1960s is considered historical fiction, I may not be able to refresh your memory, so let me expand the scope of your sitcom knowledge with a little trivia about the Emmy Award winning sitcom Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971). Set in a Nazi German prisoner-of-war...
by Jocosa Wade | Mar 10, 2021 | Creativity, Inspiration, Revision, whores of negativity, Writers life, Writing tools
If you’re a regular reader of these Notes from the Toolbox, you may remember I wrote my first story at the age of seven. It wasn’t a homework assignment. No adult suggested I give it a whirl by tempting me with lessons, which is how I came to play the flute and study...
by Jocosa Wade | Mar 3, 2021 | Inspiration, Revision, Writers life
Fear stopped by. He arrived a few days after the feedback from my editor. His timing as impeccable as Maggie Smith’s, only I’m not laughing. He just barged in. No mask. Didn’t even attempt to social distance. I gave him the cold shoulder but he’s refused to leave. I...
by Jocosa Wade | Feb 24, 2021 | Creativity, Inspiration, Revision, Writers life
Bang the drum, toot the horn, and ring the chimes for victory!— No, I didn’t snag the agent or the book deal, but thanks for believing and sending those positive vibes— my developmental editor sent the last round of feedback. It’s not too shabby. I’m so proud of you....