As a young buck (erm, young writer I mean) I thought outlining was just for scholars and essays and all that red tape stuff. Who knew outlining applied to novels as well. Since I discovered outlining was used for novels (and wasn't as boring and tedious as it is for essays) I have started outlining. … Continue reading How to Write By the Seat of Your Pants
My Thoughts On the Chosen One Trope
I lot of articles have been written about the chosen one trope. Your average Joe is actually a hero, or the one destined to take down the evil overlord, etc. I don't have much to add to the consensus of WRITE CHOSEN ONES BETTER. But there is one thing I have to say, and it … Continue reading My Thoughts On the Chosen One Trope
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Why Autumn is Such a Great Time to Write
It's FALL. That means sweaters, pumpkins, lattes, leaf piles, and owls and foxes on EVERYTHING. No more bugs! No more 90 degrees! And the scent of dying leaves even smells good! I love fall. It is truly a great time of year. I think it is especially a great time of year to do one … Continue reading Why Autumn is Such a Great Time to Write
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Things that Drive Me Crazy in Books
I did something similar to this called "Writerly Rants" but it was so far back in the archives that I am not going to bring it up. No, we do not go down that rabbit hole. HOWEVER. I do have some things to say. Things that make me go as mad as a March Hare … Continue reading Things that Drive Me Crazy in Books
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Do You Have to Read to Be a Writer?
If there is one universal advice for writers, it would be "you have to read to be a writer." Is that TRUE? UMM, OBVIOUSLY YES. It's nonsensical to think that you can be a writer without reading a thing in your life. That's illogical. But the real question is - how much and what to … Continue reading Do You Have to Read to Be a Writer?
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What are the Best Places to Write?
Writing is sort of a portable job - all you need is your laptop (or your notebook, or whatever you use). So in theory, you could write anywhere. But not every place is an equally good place to write. What are the options? How do they measure up? (pulls tape out of Mary Poppin's bag). … Continue reading What are the Best Places to Write?
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5 Ways to Add Spice to a Scene
Is a scene in your novel tasting flavorless? Does it just turn to ash in your mouth? You might need more seasoning or you might be a cursed pirate (in which case go find some lost Aztec gold). Besides the usual ingredients (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.), you might find that you need some different … Continue reading 5 Ways to Add Spice to a Scene
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Back to School for Writers
It's AUGUST. Do you know what that means? Festivals, fairs, pencils, and backpacks!! In other words, it's back to school season *cries tears of relief that I'm not in college* All the kiddos and the undergrads are getting ready to study and do sports and whatever else they do (and I'm over here starting a … Continue reading Back to School for Writers
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If You Want to Catch a Writer…
If you want to catch a writer (heaven's knows why. They'll probably just eat all your books and steal all your paper). There are some things you'll need to know once you lay hands on this mythical creature. The writer. You'll need a place to put your writer. Preferably put them somewhere where they can … Continue reading If You Want to Catch a Writer…
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Thought on How You Write that Motivation to Get Your Protagonist Out the Door.
Motivation. This is the driving force in any good story. The protagonist has to be motivated to do the THING. If the protagonist isn't motivation, they won't do the THING. Or if they do the THING but aren't motivated, the story won't make a lick of sense. There are plenty of ways to give your … Continue reading Thought on How You Write that Motivation to Get Your Protagonist Out the Door.
