Today, I’m honored to be hosted on the Conquering Writer’s Block & Summoning Inspiration blog tour by Julie Misel and Michelle McLean. Be sure to stop by their blogs to read a review and an excerpt from the audio book—and to sign up for a free giveaway of the audio book! Review of Conquering Writer’s Block […]
October 4, 2010 by 14 Comments Writing Inspiration10 Ways to Learn How to Brainstorm
Waiting around for inspiration to hit you in the head with a lightning bolt is… dangerous. Go after it with a harpoon and a fishnet! One of the best ways to do that is to learn how to brainstorm. As I talk about in my book Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration, some ways of brainstorming are […]
October 3, 2010 by 65 Comments Writing LifeThe Worst Writing Advice
Not long ago, I gave my followers from Twitter and Facebook a chance to sound off on the best writing advice they’ve ever received. This week, I flipped the question on its head, and asked you all to report on the worst writing advice you’ve ever received. Some of it ranged from discouraging comments to bits […]
September 18, 2010 by 57 Comments Writing LifeAre You Really a Writer?
For the average human, writing is one of the most powerful acts available to us. Some of our words hold the power to change the world. Some of our words will save a life. Some of our words will bring the sun into someone’s gray day. Some of our words will create a chain reaction […]
August 16, 2010 by 16 Comments Writing InspirationWhat Inspired You to Become a Writer? – And Other Questions Answered
Today, I’m honored to be interviewed by Janalyn Voigt on her blog Book Readers Central. Take a peek to discover what inspired me to become a writer, what I enjoyed most about writing Behold the Dawn, and what books I enjoy reading—among other things.
July 25, 2010 by 30 Comments Writing InspirationWhap! Pow! Zing!—How Can You Tell if Your Story Has Emotional Resonance?
The magic ingredient in fiction is that special something that socks readers right in the gut and leaves them breathless with joy or sorrow (or maybe wabi-sabi, the Japanese view of beauty in imperfection). We’ve all read books that were perfectly executed, but somehow lacked that magic. For example, I thoroughly enjoyed the word craft […]
July 11, 2010 by 52 Comments Outlining Your Novel6 Reasons a Premise Sentence Strengthens Your Story
All stories begin with a premise (a battle in space, two people falling in love, a dog getting lost). But, often, the original conceptions are hazy and unformed. Sometimes, they’re not even a premise sentence, so much as the what-if question that will lead to a premise. What if a little boy’s brain grew too […]
June 20, 2010 by 50 Comments Writing LifeLearn to Embrace Your Writing Ignorance
I’ve been telling stories since I was two years old. I’ve been writing stories since I was twelve. I have four published novels (and two more scheduled) to my name. I know enough about the craft to write this blog, numerous guest posts, a podcast, and eight writing how-to books and counting. Sounds like I’ve really […]
May 30, 2010 by 68 Comments Writing Inspiration8 Ways Writing Longhand Amps Your Muse
Whenever I crack open a hefty volume of Dickens, I’m inevitably overwhelmed by the realization this entire 800-page novel was composed by writing longhand. The writer’s bump on my middle finger throbs just thinking about it. Without doubt, our 21st-century technologic additions are a decided blessing. But we’ve also lost some things along the road to […]
May 16, 2010 by 68 Comments Writing LifeCreating a Functional Writing Space
In order for you to disappear into the worlds of your imagination, you must carve out a functional writing space in the real world that allows you the right elements for slipping into your creative zone. Those elements vary from writer to writer. You might prefer peace and quiet. You might like the bustle of a corner […]
