Kat Howard with a great entry on realizing the essential help other writers can provide: "I don't know where I got the idea that being a good writer meant being able to write by myself. I mean, I'm one of those people who always reads the dedication and acknowledgements. I'm not sure what I thought those people being thanked had done – provided moral support and sandwiches, maybe? But I'm very glad that I've been able to recognize this false idea for the insanity it is."
You are following the 12 Days of Monsters at the Weird Fiction Review, right? It is filled with wonders. (I contributed a response to a question for a whole bunch of people about their favorite monsters that will run at some point, btw.) And it's in honor of ICFA. ICFA = can't wait.
Laura Bogart's essay about Katniss Everdeen and how the character speaks to her at the Nervous Breakdown is one of my favorite pieces of writing on the internet in a long, long time. An absolute must read: "Every time I spilled the milk, slammed the door, or looked at him the wrong way, I was as noble as Katniss ascending that stage. The Hunger Games has gifted me with a new way of perceiving the lowest moments of my life. I am not just the girl whose skin burns from the sting of leather; I am the girl on fire." Must. Read.