Sweet Seals For You, Always
Andulka
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year
Product Placement
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NASA
KIROKAZE
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
YOU ARE THE REASON
styofa doing anything
Monterey Bay Aquarium
TVSTRANGERTHINGS
will byers stan first human second
Not today Justin
Misplaced Lens Cap
art blog(derogatory)
RMH
Three Goblin Art
Xuebing Du
seen from Canada
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@sfwritergirl-blog
These might look like antique books, but they’re actually salvaged bricks that have been painted to look like they belong in an old library. The faux literature is the brilliant work of Daryl Fitzgerald, who transforms the bricks by stenciling them on both sides with titles of literary classics.
Moving my blog
I've decided to relocate my blog to a pretty new website: www.stephaniekreuz.com It's been fun tumblr, but it's time I moved on to bigger and better things. Check it out.
Lost in Grad School Land
My absence from tumblr lately involves many reasons: class, thesis, work, internship, writing, life, addiction to reddit, etc. But sometime soon, I am planning a complete remodel of my website. I haven't had time lately to do much writing, but I intend to make sfwritergirl more of a news/blog/article/submission-requesting type of thing. The name may even change, but the overall goal and tone will be the same. Keeping this blog has helped me stay on top of recent industry news, and as I move from the final chapter of my education to a career in publishing (hire me?), it's time my blog move on too. Bigger and better things await, so be on the lookout for exciting new happenings!
The Life and Times of a Managing Editor
Oh, to be an Editor. It's much more work than I ever imagined, but I love every minute of it. Whether I'm developing a theme for the journal, plotting a production schedule, reading submissions, reading submissions, or reading more submissions, I'm learning about the publishing world and what makes it tick. There's a big difference between working on a literary journal vs a literary agency vs a publishing house, but in the end, they all have the same common thread: publishing literature. Next on the agenda is design and layout, in addition to making final decisions about submissions. I think that's my favorite part, seeing it all come together as one literary journal. Having a busy schedule makes me happy, as does a job that needs me in twenty different places at once. I think that's what interests me most about working in publishing. The fast-paced environment makes things exciting. And after working on 580 Split this year, I can't help but think about starting my own journal one day. Though I suppose I should finish producing this one before I move onto another! The journal is calling. I must go review some submissions.
It's been awhile Tumblr
Due to the craziness that is grad school and life, I had to but this blog on the back burner for a bit. But I assure you, as soon as I turn in that final 20 page literature paper later this week I'll back in business. See you soon.
Free Books in El Cerrito!
At the Bay Area Free Book Exchange you can find free books galore! Donations are welcomed though not required to take books. They take the ones the think they can sell to pay for rent and expenses and the rest are set out on the shelves. It's all volunteer and non-profit! Simply choose what you want and go to the table upfront. Stamp the inside of the cover with the "free book" stamp and sign in how many books you're taking. They have a limit of 100 books per person (I can't imagine you'd want to take that many) and 30 children's books per person/family. Most of the books are ex-library books or ones so worn that no one would want to buy them. But among the thousands of books they have, you're sure to find a few gems. If you're a student on a budget (lots of Shakespeare, anthologies and classics) or just looking for a new read, check it out. I found a paperback copy of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and a 1963 edition of The Moon by Night by Madeleine L'Engle. I saw a few other books I would have taken if I didn't already own them (I Capture the Castle and The Poisonwood Bible). I recommend checking it out at least once, or better yet, donate! Open Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 6pm Located at 10520 San Pablo Ave. El Cerrito, CA
Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity
Procrastination + Adventures = Research
Sometimes a writer needs to do research. I don't mean the boring read-a-history-textbook-until-your-eyeballs-bleed kind, but the actually-go-out-and-experience-something-so-I-can-write-about-it kind. Some people say writers should only write what they know, and in some ways I agree. But if there's something I don't know, like what it feels like to ride a horse, then I'm going to go out and find a horse to ride (I intend to take an Equestrian class next year and take copious notes - What does the horse feel like? Sound like? How does it move? How long will it take before my butt starts to hurt?) These minute details can make or break how realistic a story is, and how much your readers might believe. In my most recent project my character needs to take a ride in an ambulance and ends up in the ER; two things I have never experienced. To be honest, reality TV shows about Emergency Rooms have always been a guilty pleasure ever since I was a teenager (also Beach Patrol, Cops, and A Baby Story. I knew far more about pregancy and giving birth than the average teenage girl). But since I don't have cable now, I have another option: Youtube. Usually watching Youtube would mean I'm procrastinating from important adult responsibilities, but now I have a valid excuse: What? No, I'm not procrastinating. I'm doing research. See? I have a notepad of notes. Yes, that's a heart doodle. I got distracted. But I still have all these notes, lists, and even a venn diagram. And that means I'm being productive. Hmm, I got distracted by this blog, this video, and this recipe which involved walking to the grocery store for butter so I could make it. In my defense, I've never experienced the joys of making banana bread. Research is research, am I right?
The Power of the Written Word
Have you ever been confronted with a situation where you want to voice your concerns or opinions, but have a hard time doing so? I feel this way sometimes, especially in a tense and sensitive situation whether it's in a professional setting or between peers. Sometimes, if you don't step away from something, tensions will rise and emotions will flare. Things will be said that can't be taken back. I think some good advice is that if you ever feel frustrated about something, write a letter instead. Even if you don't send this letter, writing out your concerns can be a relief in itself (another good reason to keep a journal as it's a private place to vent. Almost as good as screaming into a pillow, which I also recommend as a de-stresser). I'm not one to start a confrontation, but in some cases, the best way to voice my opinion about something is in writing. I'm a writer first and foremost, so that is often the best way for me to express myself. It's also possible when writing a letter or email to edit yourself. Yeah, it might be really tempting to spout off a bunch of profanities or vent your frustrations if you're incredibly hurt by something, but when you're writing your letter, revise and edit! Don't send that email until you've stepped away from it for a few hours, or a few days! If you're emotions are at their boiling point, you're bound to say a few things that you probably shouldn't. Giving yourself some time to "cool down" and think with a clear head will come forth in your writing and put you in control of your emotions. I've realized that I have a thing for writing really long emails or letters, both in everyday correspondence with friends and family, or as in the uncomfortable situations as described above. I especially love it when I can rant, though I try to pare down as much as I can. I think I'm known among friends to ramble on forever and give long-winded explanations for something that probably requires a simple answer. It can also be really fun to be snarky if the situation calls for it, but having a "snarky censor" is a good idea too (which is what stepping away for a few days will do for you). It's easy for me to voice my opinion in a frank and direct manner or share emotions in a poetic and gentle one. Writing letters are a great writing exercise. How many books have you read that are written in letters? They're often more personal, don't you think? I guess this just proves that I've always been meant to be a writer because I just love the power of words and how diverse their uses can be.
Jon Stewart on Borders Closing
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Call for Submissions: 580 Split literary journal
580 Split, the Mills College literary journal, is now accepting submissions! The journal is edited by a revolving staff of English graduate students at Mills College in Oakland, CA, and the forthcoming issue will be edited by yours truly. Submission Deadline: October 31, 2011 Please submit your work here. In Issue 14, 580 Split: A Gathering of Voices, we invite you to share your voice with us. A gathering can be any number of things. It can be a gathering of animals such as geese in the sky, a gathering of sounds to create a piece of music, a gathering of friends or family at a reunion, or in the case of our next issue, a gathering of voices. Make a statement, inform the world, and let your voice be heard. We encourage you to submit writing that touches upon the human condition or remarks upon something you believe in. How do you want your voice to be heard at the gathering? Guidelines: 580 Split accepts only previously unpublished work (online or print). We will accept only two stories of short fiction or creative non-fiction, up to three poems, or up to three pieces of visual art per person. While we are happy to accept simultaneous submissions, we ask that you notify us as soon as your work is accepted elsewhere. While we accept longer pieces, shorter pieces have a better chance at publication. There is no minimum word count. Submissions should be submitted via Submishmash or Standard Mail. Each uploaded document should consist of a single story, poem, or visual art piece. Submissions sent via Standard Mail must be postmarked by October 31st. Submissions sent outside of our reading period or submissions sent via email will not be considered. Paper Submissions should be sent to: 580 Split c/o Mills College English Dept. 5000 MacArthur Blvd. Oakland, CA 94613 We do Blind Readings. Please upload your work without your name on the manuscript or file. If submissions are sent via standard mail, please include a cover page with your Name, Email, and other Contact Information. Do not put your name on the actual work, but do put the title in the header. 580 Split does not traditionally publish work from the Mills community. The journal will be released in late spring 2012. We look forward to reading your work! Sincerely, 580 Split Staff
Required Reading No. 2: GalleyCat
A while back, I mentioned that Publishers Weekly should be required reading, particularly those interested in writing and publishing. And while I still read PW, as of late, I've found myself perusing GalleyCat more often. They cover similar topics, but they are much quicker about updating their website. I check it daily for news, and usually come away with some new factoid. They cover a broad range of topics, and I feel like they always have something interesting to say. GalleyCat is my new daily read. Check it out!
Is your word processor too loud? Then try QuietWrite.
Sometimes you just want to write, but your word processor is constantly telling you that you're a terrible speller, that your word choices make no sense, or it's popping up with annoying little alerts that just won't go away. Sometimes, you just want your computer to leave you alone. Of course, you could always just write with a thing called a pen and some paper like most writer's used to do or a typewriter if you're lucky enough to own one that still works. But if you are looking for someplace less annoying to write, then maybe QuietWrite is for you. The concept makes sense, though the option of having a "quiet place" to write on your computer would come as easy as turning off spell-checker or auto-format alerts, or even using that crappy notepad feature which makes your writing looks like it hails from an ancient computer...But QuietWrite aims to be more than that. It's also a place where you can share your writing. While I'm personally not a fan to share my creative work online, it's still an interesting choice for those that want to be a part of a writing community. In terms of looks, the website comes in a soothing tone of aqua. As you write, the toolbar at the top disappears, leaving you with infinite aqua colored space to write in. It also auto-saves your work as you write. As soon as you move your mouse though, the toolbar pops up again (so much for being "quiet"). This is annoying to me and I think it makes it better suited for people who don't constantly go back and edit their work. If the whole point is for it to be less distracting, then I'd rather the pop-up toolbar disappear altogether. And if the aim is to have a place to write that's less distracting, I think it has one major flaw: The Internet. It's not a program you download but one you use from your web browser. If I'm in need of a quiet place to write, the last thing I want is to be surrounded by email, Facebook, and YouTube. The temptation is far too easy. Overall, I think it's an interesting website and an alternative writing tool for those looking for one. Would I ever use it? Probably not. But give it a try. Maybe the soothing aqua tone will help with your writing.
Writer is a synonym for Crazy Person
I have taped my thesis-in-progress to my kitchen wall. Now it will stare at me in the face every day while I eat my apple jacks. I have entered into a crazy place, and my final year hasn't even started yet...Help. Me.
Church Culture Project seeking your stories
A good friend of mine, Jenelle Hayward, is collecting the stories of people's experiences in church to include in her thesis. The end product will be a collection of poetry featuring your stories and hers. The project will be submitted as her thesis to Mills College in May of 2012. In her own words, "What I hope to create is an investigation of my story and the story of others who have had experiences in the Christian Church and Parish." On her website, she has an interview where you can answer as many questions as you'd like, and be as descriptive or brief as you care to. And anyone can submit, even if you have only one experience going to church at Christmas or have been attending your whole life. Some key points about the submission process taken directly from the website: 1.Please don’t feel any pressure to use correct grammar, complete sentences, or to perfect your responses. STREAMS OF CONSCIOUSNESS ARE WELCOMED HERE! 2.Your words will most likely not appear as provided. I certainly want to maintain the core meaning of your response. However, I MUST ASK FOR FREEDOM TO PLAY WITH THE LANGUAGE FOR POETIC AND ARTISTIC PURPOSES. 3.YOUR RESPONSES WILL BE DELIVERED ANONYMOUSLY. You’ll only be identified by your age and gender in the text. I've seen her enthusiasm about this project, and I hope that you'll lend her your voice if this sounds like something of interest to you. Know of someone who might be interested too? Then pass it along. Head to her website to read more about the project. Jenelle Hayward is a graduate student at Mills College, pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing. Prior to Mills she taught middle school Language Arts and high school Creative Writing courses. Her work has been published in The Truth About Fact, Gordon College Global Education Journal, and Idiom.
My first attempt at screenwriting
It never really occurred to me to write a screenplay. I've always been a straight fiction kind of girl, and the idea of writing something that could be a movie was far from my list of to dos. But when some good friends of mine asked me to join in on a movie project, I couldn't resist! One of my favorite parts of writing is dialogue. And a script is pretty much all dialogue, right? (I know there is some more to it than that, but just humor me). I love writing dialogue. In fact, there's been times when I've written a new scene for my novel and it's only dialogue. I always intend to go back and add all the descriptive filler, but sometimes I get lazy. I guess that's why I've never finished writing a novel... But who knows. This is one writing medium I haven't given a shot yet (I attempted song writing once, but we're not gonna talk about that). Maybe it'll be just my thing. Here's to new endeavors!
My Etsy shop, snapadream
On an unrelated note (i.e. unrelated to writing), I'm in the process of reopening my Etsy shop, snapadream. I've missed making things with my hands, so I decided that while I'm in grad school I may as well give it another shot. I've also started a crafting blog (I like blogging). Check it out!
