April Davila - Author
This evening is my last UCLA Extension class for the foreseeable future. Over the past six months, I’ve taken two extension courses, Novel IV and Novel V, with Mark Sarvas, and they have both been great classes. I have mixed feelings about being … [Continue reading] about Goodbye UCLA
Way back in September, I was feeling pretty low. I had just taken a day job I thought was perfect for me, and I couldn't figure out why I was so miserable. My therapist at the time gave me an assignment. He told me to write, without thinking, my top … [Continue reading] about Reconsidering the Day Job
As I writer, I have often heard these two bits of advice: don't be afraid to steal, and, find your own voice. I will admit, though, that I have never heard them uttered in the same breath. In case you're new to the idea of stealing, check out … [Continue reading] about The Act of Artistic Stealing
As you know, I recently ran my first half marathon. Turns out, I’m actually pretty good at distance running. I enjoy it. In fact, I don’t really start to enjoy running until about the third mile. If someone had told me, back in high school, when … [Continue reading] about After The Half Marathon
For a long time I thought reading like a writer meant simply reading a lot. That's part of it. However, while reading is critical for writers, passively absorbing stories isn't enough. To really read like a writer, you have to stop trusting … [Continue reading] about Reading Like a Writer
Six years ago, I began volunteering once a week to read submissions for a literary journal. At the time I was in grad school, and I was trying to build up my resume. I figured Associate Editor would look good on paper, and it might be a fun way to … [Continue reading] about Reading for a Literary Journal Will Make You a Better Writer
Two women with bibles in their hands just knocked on my door. They kindly asked if I struggled with anxiety, and suggested that I reference my bible, Matthew 6:18, for some guidance on how to deal with it. I thanked them (because we all deal with … [Continue reading] about Buddhism