2010-05-27 14:59:10Thu, 27 May 2010 14:59:10 +0000 Self portrait, the inner anorexic, www.carolineallen.com I knew an artist who after having an abortion used dolls for an art project -- she ripped off their arms, blackened their faces and hung them by their necks from the rafters. Too gruesome? I certainly hope so. The single greatest oppression to the artist spirit is political correctness, and it seems to me that PC attitudes…

2012-10-06 18:44:41Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:44:41 +0000The Art of Storytelling is hiring an intern in the Portland, Oregon area. With clients all over the globe, Art of Storytelling's coaches and editors work online with creative writers on novels, memoir, screenplays and short stories. We help excavate a writer's authentic voice, evolve that creative expression step-by-step, and finally help clients get published. Want to be part of a highly creative and exciting…

2015-07-06 21:03:48Mon, 06 Jul 2015 21:03:48 +0000 My first novel, Earth, is semi-autobiographical, a fictionalized version of my childhood in Missouri. I was meditating the other day on how to increase book sales and was given this message: You fear reprisals. Your fear is holding the book back. This fear is universal. It keeps many from speaking their truth. It is even deeper than that. People fear reprisals for following their passion, following their bliss.…

2017-03-27 00:02:50Mon, 27 Mar 2017 00:02:50 +0000 The book coaching process, especially at the beginning, can be a very safe space. The coach is there to nurture the new writer, to allow experimentation, offer inspiration, provide support, and pass on constructive advice. We aim to OPEN the writer, and that only happens with unconditional love for the person and the creative process. I've coached hundreds of people on book, script and…

2017-04-29 17:15:20Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:15:20 +0000 What is your "personal mythology"? How can you tap into it, access the core of your beliefs, and unleash the energy to drive your novel or memoir? I came up with the term “personal mythology” when I was teaching writing workshops in Seattle. I found the easiest way to teach techniques like characterization, setting, and theme is to have new writers start by evolving a…

2009-10-11 14:46:26Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:46:26 +0000 Mystical Hand, www.carolineallen.com I taught Mystical Hands to 5 year olds last week, at a progressive private school called Wheeler in Providence, Rhode Island. We talked about the importance of our hands, how much we need our wiggling fingers, pinkies, thumbs and wrists. We traced our hands on cardboard and then collaged them with images I brought and carefully organized in baggies. And finally,…

2009-11-30 21:22:25Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:22:25 +0000 As a writer and a writing coach, I've dealt often with fear around writing a piece that exposes someone in the family, or an ex-lover or friend. A client will say to me: If I tell the truth of this event I'll never be able to publish it. It would devastate my family. I say: As writers, we need to write our truths, whether…

2009-12-30 20:23:51Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:23:51 +0000 Girl on chair, acrylic on canvas, www.carolineallen.com A multiple-choice question for you. I will begin and stick to a regular writing schedule when: A. My children turn 18 and leave home. B. I find a job and am not so stressed out about money. C. I finish a big project at work. D. I finish a big project on the house. E. I meet…

2010-01-07 14:54:15Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:54:15 +0000 sketch of Jesus, based on medieval altar piece in London's Tate Gallery, www.carolineallen.com I just received an interesting e-mail from a client. How do we write with authenticity and integrity when to do so draws up so much pain? When writing the truth is so traumatizing it shuts us down? One of the greatest writers' blocks I've seen in my clients, even when they're…

2010-01-14 17:01:23Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:01:23 +0000 Self Portrait, www.carolineallen.com I have a friend in London who is a visual artist, Patricia Wynn Davies, www.PatriciaWynnDavies.com. I met Patricia at London's Independent Newspaper where we both worked as journalists. I moved into her house as a lodger, and from that vantage point witnessed her transformation from well-known London journalist to visual artist. It's amazing how the universe provides us with people to…