“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 […]
Tag Archives: writing advice
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. 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 […]
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. […]
What’s your priority?
Creativity Inspiration Uncategorized Writing Writing retreats Writing tipsYou’re here because you’re thinking about your book, or your song, or your poem, or your half-finished canvas. You’re here because you want someone to tell you it’s okay. You aren’t being selfish, You aren’t being silly. This is real and you deserve it. You are here, on this page, because a part of you […]
A message from Norman Mailer.
Creativity Inspiration Writing Writing tipsNorman Mailer told me to.
Rejected? Don’t feel so bad, Tolstoy is still being snubbed by his countrymen
Fiction writing Inspiration Marketing Publishing Writing Writing tipsRejections getting aspiring writers down? That’s nothing. What about Tolstoy?
How can I write EVERY day?
Creativity Fiction writing Inspiration Journal writingtips on how to write daily.. and keep writing.
Some of My Favorite Writers
Writing Writing retreats Writing tipsI posted this article on my writing blog (the blog that I’m supposed to be writing in every day to share my daily writing progress…but am not…doing either, that is…long story…), and I then I thought maybe it might be worthwhile talking about this topic: Where do you find your inspiration for writing? Or maybe, […]