my editor is the queen of "expand or delete!"  and you explain why, beautifully. it often takes that witnessing set of eyes to help us writers understand when we've short-changed or confused the reader. thanks.

oh if only it were easy! your suggestion to pay attention while you read other authors' works is excellent advice: I often reread parts of Stegner's Angle of Repose to learn from a master.  

oh, I keep hearing "podcast" and shuddering . . . I can barely tweet, blog, like, and post.  you are both brave and wise, and hopefully one day I'll catch up to you!

having my soon-to-be-released book go through the editing process with my publisher was incredibly painful and humbling. yet I learned things I'd never---in my twenty years of writing, receiving positive feedback from my writing group, winning an...

thanks, jill... it certainly is difficult, at times, to keep a steady focus on an uncertain future. tips one and three are most crucial for me, and I appreciate the reminder to keep play, joy, and heartsongs in my life!

excellent blog post, ellen. I think you graciously made your points and hope you hear from jon krakauer. and not only best of luck with Again and Again, but thank you for speaking up.