Category Archives: Uncategorized
Critiques 4 U!
Are the seasons turning where you are? I sure hope so. Change is often stressful, but a change in climate is usually a good thing. It’s one thing I love about living where I do—getting all four seasons instead of … Continue reading
Conducting Informational Interviews for Story Research
Recently I hit a roadblock with my current manuscript. It wasn’t a typical “writer’s block,” though. Rather, I made an inspired decision first: My protagonist’s father would be the owner / manager of a home remodeling company. (I blame my … Continue reading
Build Your Writing Career By Investing In the Right Help
One question we are asked to weigh in on is whether an MFA in creative writing is worth the investment. After all, an MFA is a huge commitment and can be costly so writers should investigate thoroughly before jumping in. … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Pest Control Technician
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
How to Convey an Established Relationship Quickly
I was recently reading two story openings that were frankly amazing at conveying an established relationship in a matter of pages or even paragraphs. While many stories revolve around the protagonist meeting new people, such as in a typical hero’s … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Clergy
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
How to Write an Effective Scene with One Stop for Writers’ Formal Scene Map
When it comes to story structure, writers seem to fall into one of three camps: they love it, hate it, or are completely confused by the many iterations of it. With this third group, it’s understandable. Are there 3 Acts, … Continue reading
Writing By Design: Using Color Theory
Writing by design means using techniques from the visual arts to inspire and inform your writing. So far in this series you’ve learned how to use the constraints of space to give your story a shape. You’ve also discovered how to … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Tour Guide
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading
Occupation Thesaurus Entry: Personal Trainer
Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your story, they might be trying to get that job or … Continue reading