Hello readers! Some of you have began sending me your writing that was inspired by writing prompts included in my newsletters and on the website. Below are a sampling of what I’ve received so far. I encourage all of you to try the writing prompts (sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss them) […]
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It’s no question that the popularity in science fiction and fantasy novels has skyrocketed in recent years, especially in the Young Adult genre. There is nothing better than diving headfirst into a fantastical world, full of rich details and vivid characters. But, how do you create an immersive world of your own? Worldbuilding can be
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What is genre? Well, genre is simply the categories in which writing (and other things) is broken up into. Categories can include romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, young adult, thriller, horror, historical, magical realism, etc. For me, I felt for a long time that I needed to identify what genre I was writing before I
I’ve decided to start doing “mini posts” on my website hopefully once a week. These posts will still be about writing, but less about the nuts and bolts types of topics. In my post a few weeks ago about writer’s block, I talked about something else that plagues me continually – writer paralysis. For me,
Mini-Post #1 – Writer Paralysis Read More »
I have an index card on my bulletin board and the title across the top says “Eight Point Story Arc.” I have no idea when I wrote this card, only that I’ve been staring at it every time I sit at my desk for years. The Eight Point Story Arc is a plot structure that
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What drives your story? What makes your story, well, a story? For me, the answer to both of those boils down to your characters. Your characters will propel your plot and in turn, they will take your readers on their journey to whatever destination they are heading. I came across a Tweet from writer Laura
How to Motivate Your Characters Read More »
Writer’s Block. The ultimate boss enemy of any writer out there. We have all experienced it and if for some reason you haven’t, well then consider yourself very, very lucky. I feel like there are two types of writer’s block: one, you simply do not know what to write about, and two, you’re in the
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I know what you’re thinking already – how can you write an effective and memorable story in only 101 words? The answer is, very easily! I discovered the website 101 Word Short Stories several years ago when I was researching websites that published short stories without charging a submission fee. I was a bit taken
How to Master the Micro Short Story Read More »
It’s not very often when you hear the term “composting” being related to the act of writing and gathering ideas, but stay with me for a few minutes and I’ll show you the benefits of making your very own writing “compost heap.” Earlier in the year, I took an online writing class through Master Class
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Am I a writer? That’s a concept I struggle with often. I’ve read articles or quotes written by well known authors that would say if you don’t have the urge to write every day, then you’re not a writer. To them, not putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys) every day meant that you
