The real Japanese term “tsujigiri” is translated to randomly kill with one’s sword, possibly to test its sharpness. The similar term “tameshigiri” is used figuratively meaning to try something you have just created or obtained. And so here I am, testing my writing skills on chance passersby. The pen is mightier than the sword.
For over a decade I’ve had fragments of a fantasy novel floating around in my head. There were always reasons why I couldn’t sit down and work on it, college, jobs, boyfriends, marriage, children, to name a few. The real reason was fear, fear of committing to something that I might not be able to finish, fear of total failure, fear of success. Now that my demon has a name it can be conquered as chapter by chapter I prove it wrong.
About me, I was born and currently live in Utah. I have traveled more than my fair share and lived in Argentina. I’m a full-time mom and a writer at dawn and dark. Before parenthood I finished a BS in Animal Science and worked as a Veterinary Nurse. I’ve also studied karate, violin performance, and operatic soprano. When I’m not being attacked by children or writing I like to work in my garden or get in some exercise.
Can’t wait to see what else you have to share!
By: lifeslittlerevelations on June 2, 2010
at 8:43 pm
Thank you for that interesting blog on adverbs (6/2/2010). My fellow writers on Wicked Writers (http://wickedwriters.com) have debated this point for months.
If possible, I would like to repost your blog on Wicked Writers (provided my comrades agree).
By: Gregory Marshall Smith on June 3, 2010
at 7:37 am
Sorry for the delay, you are most welcome to reblog me over there. Happy Writing!
By: tsuchigari on June 11, 2010
at 6:58 am
thank you for the brush up on grammar rules. and the adverb lesson was awesome!!!!! I struggle with grammar rules and it keeps me from writing, because i fear being wrong. thank you
By: lisa on June 3, 2010
at 7:00 pm
How about another language lesson on extraneous appearances of the word “that”?
Ex: I thought that Mary should drive to the airport vs. I thought Mary should drive to the airport
Most writers (including published ones) could shave 3 pages from a manuscript by chopping unnecessary “thats.”
I’m just getting started, so tell me to shut up before I complain about “that” vs. “which” and sentences that begin with “There were” or “There was.”
By: oldancestor on June 5, 2010
at 12:36 am
[...] Jump to Comments Today’s educational and enlightening guest post is from the creative mind at My Literary Quest, authored by Utah resident “tsujigiri.” [...]
By: the written word on June 7, 2010
at 2:06 pm
Thank you for the useful posts
I learned English, but I still feel like I don’t sound like native,
any comments on my English blogs will be much appreciated.
I’ll follow you
By: Lulu on June 15, 2010
at 10:47 pm
[...] post is from the creative mind at My Literary Quest, authored by Utah resident “tsujigiri.” I feel an immediate kinship with this writer; like me, she has had a story to tell for more [...]
By: Improve your writing by slashing adverbs–Here’s how | We Blog The World on June 16, 2010
at 7:47 am
[...] tsuchigari of My Literary Quest – because not only does she write great blogs about interesting topics, she [...]
By: From the Unexplored Wilderness… « All roads lead to roam on June 18, 2010
at 1:06 pm
thank you for this wonderful site – i’m only beginning to explore all the pages and feel your great energy!
i know what you mean, sometimes i even fear fear…umm, you know? yeah, success, failure and fear. yikes!
By: spacebar on October 21, 2010
at 10:46 am
Thank you so much for your wonderful and generous review of my book, “Digging Deep: A Writer Uncovers His Marriages.
By: Boyd lemon on June 3, 2011
at 10:42 am
I’m wondering if you could do me a big favor and post your review on Amazon.
By: Boyd Lemon on July 28, 2011
at 2:34 pm