“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 tips
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 […]
The Body Language of Attraction: Information for Writers
Fiction writing Writing Writing tipsIn this tutorial, Fiona gives us the inside scoop to the “tell.” _________________________ I got to observe Striker out of uniform, playing spy on a few heaven-sent operations. Men would instinctively become wary when he entered the room, closing their postures or moving away. The women would hold their ground, giving him long speculative glances. […]
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, […]
Santa Rosa Beach Writers Retreat: Day Four
Writing Writing retreats Writing tipsThe highlight of the day, according to our group of writers, was the Skype call with Josh Getzler, literary agent at Russell and Volkening. Having an opportunity to talk face-to-face (okay, face to computer?) with a New York agent is one of the big perks of the retreat. Anyone who’s ever been to a conference […]
Santa Rosa Beach Writers Retreat: Day Three
Writing Writing retreatsDay three of the Write by the Water writers retreat started with a morning talk with Jack, and then the group went their separate ways to work on writing projects. Some printed their pages and took them to the beach where the sound of the waves caressing the shoreline provided the perfect background, while others stretched […]
