Posts Tagged ‘writing tips’
Ending Your Story Like A Boss (Writing Workshop)
We all know how important starting strong is, right? That first sentence needs to stick a finger in the reader’s mouth and say, “You’re coming with me, Jack.” Or Jill, whatever your name is. That first sentence drags the reader (kicking and screaming if need be) into the first paragraph, which leads to the second…
Read MoreGUEST POST: Using Netflix to Better Your Writing by Alexis Ratcliff
Guess what everybody… you get a break from my mindless blathering today. Oh, you lucky, Turnips. Today I’m pleased to hand the reigns of command over to guest blogger: Alexis Ratcliff who’s debut novel, A Vanishing Glow, just came out. It’s an amazing looking steampunk/flintlock fantasy mashup. If that sounds like your cup o’tea, then…
Read MoreErnie Luis Interview
The other day I was fortunate enough to be on one of those new fangled podcast things over at SF Signal. We talked about the Hugos, WorldCon, and hot up-and-coming authors you should be reading. My recommendation for a new author you should take the time to read was none other than Ernie Luis. I’ve…
Read MoreBreaking Promises (Writing Workshop)
Today we’re talking about the promises and implied expectations we as storytellers make. For those of you not in the know, Brandon Sanderson is one of my favorite authors, specifically from a narrative craft perspective. One of the things he talks about over, and over, and over again, is making promises and then fulfilling them.…
Read MoreTwitter Done Wrong
Quick disclaimer: I am, by no means, a Twitter expert. The fact that you’re here now, reading any advice I could possibly offer on how to use Twitter as an effective part of your social media platform, is likely due to your extreme boredom (and/or masochism). In fact, I’ll go one step further and say I’m not…
Read MoreInner Dialogue: Why You Need to Stop Talking To Yourself (Writing Workshop)
Vocalized or not, we are all just sitting around talking to ourselves. It’s called Inner Dialogue and it’s pretty much how we process…well…everything. To prove this point, go find your favorite bean-bag chair and spend the next five minutes sitting quietly. Let your mind wander wherever it may, don’t censor yourself or try and corral…
Read MoreSidekick Some Ass! (Writing Workshop)
Ah, the sidekick. An oft overlooked, but (if done properly) ever present force for your storytelling good. When I wrote Cheating Your Way To Likable Characters, I talked a bit about how giving your main character a friend is one of the most important things you can do in establishing your main character’s likability. A…
Read MoreDialogue: It’s All About The He Said, She Said Bull…(Writing Workshop)
Today’s topic is extra-super important so why don’t you butt-scoot a bit closer, take your earbuds out, put the phone and curling iron down, and listen up; we’re talking Dialogue today. Before we dive in elbows deep in storytelling ichor, let’s do a little group visualization. Think back on the last really good movie you…
Read MoreBettering Your Editing (Writing Workshop)
Creating imaginary worlds filled with whatever weirdness your thinking noodle cooks up is, at it’s root (if you’re doing it correctly) fun. Sure, sometimes it’s hard forcing yourself into the chair to put words to paper, but once you’re in the flow and ideas start plopping out of your word-hole, the act of writing becomes a…
Read MoreWriting Beginnings That Don’t Suck (Writing Workshop)
Every great journey begins with a single step forward. Where your story is concerned, that first step is absolutely, without question, the most important one. Doesn’t matter how fantastic the rest of the book is, if the first few sentences don’t compel the reader into the next paragraph, and that paragraph doesn’t force them to…
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