Category Archives: Writing

A Fun Run for the Developing Writer’s Brain

Creative Writing exercises are my favorite thing to do in class. However, I used to think there wasn’t room for them in a first year writing class. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Teaching any kind of writing without creative exercises is like a coach who doesn’t encourage his or her athletes to run orContinue reading “A Fun Run for the Developing Writer’s Brain”

Musings on Mash

Waking up to see my work published on a high traffic website always puts me in a good mood. Today, my article,  “Sew Your Story,” was featured on the Mash Blog. This was particularly meaningful for me because Mash Stories has been an important part of my development as a writer. Last summer, someone in my writing groupContinue reading “Musings on Mash”

Sunlight Filters through the Fog of Rejection

I know rejections are part of being a writer, but when they come in waves, they can be hard to take, especially when I know I gave 110% to a piece. Getting two stories on nonpaying e-zines boosted my confidence for a while, but the subsequent  slew of rejections from paying markets was starting toContinue reading “Sunlight Filters through the Fog of Rejection”

Evil English Teacher Alphabet Soup

This soup like looks like words drowned in red ink. It tastes as beautiful as the writing would have been if that red tide had not drown it before it learned to swim.

A Win on Cracked Flash

For the past two months, I have made it part of my weekend routine to participate in the Cracked Flash writing competition. They post a sentence and some inspiration images allowing writers 24 hours to come up with a 300 word story. All entries are posted to the comments. The following Wednesday, a winner andContinue reading “A Win on Cracked Flash”

The Impatient Writer’s Chicken Soup

The Impatient Writer’s Chicken Soup: Advice on the Writing Process and a Delicious Recipie By Sara Codair Soup and writing have a lot in common. One important connection to note is that they both improve when they are allowed to sit and simmer for ample time. If I eat a soup that hasn’t been sittingContinue reading “The Impatient Writer’s Chicken Soup”

My story, “Beach Glass Blues,” is featured on Sick Lit Magazine!

Beach Glass Blues By Sara Codair Desperate for a fix, I crawl out of the surf. My fins separate into feet. My tail splits until I’m crouched on four scaly limbs. My muscles ache as I push myself upright. It’s not a position I hold often. Normally, water surrounds me and supports me. The […] viaContinue reading “My story, “Beach Glass Blues,” is featured on Sick Lit Magazine!”

Compost for Packrat Writers & Teachers

“Above the Influence,” the first story I ever had accepted for publication, was a piece of flash fiction – a 500 word story that got shortlisted by Mash. If it weren’t for the concept of compost, that probably never would have happened.

An Inspiring Image:”Dull Blade” and The Doors

When I fist took this photograph on a cold February day in Portland, I had no idea what it was going to do for me. When I started selling on Etsy five years ago, I made prints of it and put them in repurposed frames and sold them. Not only did I sell several onContinue reading “An Inspiring Image:”Dull Blade” and The Doors”