The Best Writing Tip Ever: Write First!
This is the best advice I’ve ever not taken, until now.
Read More →Posts in the Category: WRITING
Jackie Pynaert on Strengthening the Voice of Your Character
How does one introduce an irresistible character in strong 1st person voice, in an effective enough manner, to catch the interest of today’s “I’ve seen it all, show me something I haven’t seen,” editors?
Read More →Martha Alderson: How to Plot Your Writing Time During the Month of November
I’m delighted to welcome plot guru Martha Alderson to my blogging home today. Martha has worked with hundreds of writers in sold-out plot workshops, retreats, and plot consultations for more than fifteen …
Read More →NaNoWriMo Countdown Week: Are You Prepared?
Every year it’s the same. In the last week before NaNoWriMo I promise myself I’ll be better prepared this time, then fail to follow through and start November in a state of panic. …
Read More →Arrgh! It’s Almost NaNoWriMo Time!
I have no idea whether I’m even doing NaNoWriMo this year, though I’ll probably wade in at the last minute because I can’t resist the buzz of writing with so many others …
Read More →The Plot-Expanding Power of Consequences
Have you ever started a novel or story but lost impetus after the opening act, unsure what should happen next, but sensing that the arc you pre-planned doesn’t work for some mysterious reason? Then maybe you need to take another look at what your protagonist does after the incident that gets the story started.
Read More →The Key to Writing a Fast First Draft: The Breakout Premise
Maybe you’re one of those divinely inspired Mozartian writers who take dictation from a higher power, but most of the rest of us have to spend some time on preparation in order to write …
Read More →Social Media: Writer’s Aid or Addiction?
Those of you who connect with me on social networks know I’ve maintained a very active online presence for some years, but I recently had a moment of clarity about …
Read More →How A Novel-in-Verse Amps Up Emotional Insight
Vermont College of Fine Arts – College Hall
Our last guest post in the wonderful series of posts donated by Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA graduates this week is from Sherry …
Read More →Finding the Heart in Your Story
Today’s VCFA guest post is by Pam Watts:
Pam Watts
I decided to be a writer after some minor success with my first book when I was seven. I took a …
Read More →Reading As A Writer
Today’s guest post is by Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA graduate, Carmela Martino:
Carmela Martino
Most writers I know are avid readers. I have been for as long as I …
Read More →How Food Can Fortify Your Fantasy
Guest post by JoAnn Early Macken:
JoAnne Early Macken
I took part in a memorable Vermont College of Fine Arts workshop led by Marion Dane Bauer and Read More →
Props for Emotion: The Objective Correlative Unveiled
Today’s guest post is from Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA graduate C. M. McCarthy:
C.M. McCarthy
In an episode of Family Guy, main character Peter responds to someone calling him a “degenerate” with …
Read More →Time to Punk-Rock with Plot: Discovering Alternative Plot Types
Today I’m very proud to be kicking off a week of guest posts by graduates of the Vermont College of Fine Art’s MFA. First up is Ingrid Sundberg:
Ingrid Sundberg
“We can …
Read More →Getting Serious about Writing
I’ve been a bad girl. I’ve allowed myself to get distracted by a thousand different things, become a virtual social butterfly, and forgotten what’s really important to me—writing my book.
Something needs to be done.
My problem …
Read More →Sitting is Killing Me!
Since I took up writing a few years ago I’ve spent more time sitting each day than I’ve ever done in my life. I’ve always been a skinny bean, but lately, yes, I’m packing about …
Read More →The Value of a Running Mate
Writing a book is like running a marathon, one that never seems to end. In fact, it’s more like a decathlon since you need to develop so many diverse talents in order …
Read More →Scientific Plausibility in Steampunk
In a recent interview, Phillip Reeve (author of the Mortal Engines quartet, and the Larklight series) made this statement in relation to his waning interest in Steampunk:
“As for …
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Do You Keep an Idea Bank?
I received an interesting question from a writing friend on Facebook today which I wanted to share with you because I’m sure we’re not the only two writers to have struggled with …
How Do Your Characters See Themselves?
Reality or Illusion?
I’m working on a new novel involving a dual personality, so I’m doing a lot of research into mirrors, perception and point of view, but it has …
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