“Where does my story begin?” is a far different question than “Where do I begin my story?” Exploring the first question will help you understand your character’s backstory, pursuit, and unmet desire. Examining the second question will help you zero in on the opening sentence, scene, or sequence of your novel. QUICK FIX: Once you […]
Archive by Author
Teacher Thursday
Fiction writing Writing tipsLet’s talk about SETTING. Setting is not simply the backdrop of the story. It’s the context within which the pursuit unfolds. is journey encompasses both space and time. When you conceptualize your story, don’t just think about its location. Remember that it travels through the unfolding fabric of time. Whether or not you use a […]
Teacher Thursday Post. THE HOOK.
Fiction writing Writing tipsHOW CAN I COME UP WITH A GOOD HOOK? Don’t fall in love with the hook you currently have. A novel is fluid until it’s published, so try some hooks on for size, but don’t pressure yourself to come up with one before moving forward. Only when you’ve finished your book will you know […]
Teacher Thursday with a fix.
Fiction writing Writing tipsLast week, Steven introduced the issue of causality in your novel. Scroll back to the last blog post if you need a little reminder. Today, let’s talk about fixing those issues. Sometimes writers wonder, DOES EVERYTHING IN A STORY HAVE TO BE CONNECTED? Unless your novel centers on the absurdity of life, every subsequent event […]
Teacher Thursday. Steven talks about CAUSALITY.
Fiction writing Writing tipsThese lessons come directly from TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR NOVEL by Steven James who will be your workshop leader at our Excellence in Fiction Writing Seminar. Apply today. Hold your spot with a small deposit. Let’s talk about CAUSALITY. One opening event causes things to splinter apart for the main character in your novel. After that, there’s […]
NEWS
UncategorizedCheck out the interview in The Big Thrill with our retreat instructor, Steven James. http://www.thebigthrill.org/2018/09/up-close-steven-james/
It’s Teacher Thursday! Get ready to learn.
Fiction writing Writing tipsLast week we talked about beginning your book with the main character. There are other ways to open the story. Sometimes, changing this can change everything. Let’s see what Steven says in his book, Troubleshooting Your Novel. FINE-TUNING MY MANUSCRIPT If I start with dialogue, how soon will readers be able to see how many […]
Time for your Teacher Thursday Post from Steven James.
Fiction writing Writing tipsHere’s a question writers often ask: DO I NEED TO START THE STORY WITH THE MAIN CHARACTER? Steven says, By introducing a character early on, you make a promise about his meaningful contribution to the story. Unless you include a prologue, readers will assume that the protagonist is the first person introduced in the story. […]
It’s Teacher Thursday. Welcome to your free class.
Fiction writing Writing tipsFrom our lead workshop instructor Steven James and his book, Troubleshooting Your Novel, here’s a fresh way to look at that scene that might not be working. Let’s talk about ORIENTATION. You’re walking home late one night when two men leap out of the shadows, pull a hood over your head, and shove you into […]
Do you REALLY want to be a writer? Take a closer look at the job description.
UncategorizedCalling All Applicants So, here’s the job I’m offering you. There are no benefits. No dental, medical, or retirement. You get no days off. No sick leave. No personal leave. No vacation time. There’s no job security. You get to pay your own taxes. Seniority means nothing. You’ll be on the hook for any college […]