It's that time of year where Becca and I sneak off to the liquor cabinet for some adult beverages to drink some rich hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire so we can enjoy some family togetherness and reflect on all the wonders the universe has brought us this year. We hope that you will all … [Read more...] about Happy Holidays: Our Most Popular 2016 Posts For Writers
Search Results for: symbolism
5 NaNoWriMo Hacks To Keep Words Flowing
Ready to mow down some words? Read on--this will help you get to the 50K finish line! 1. Start with a plan (yes, even the Pantsers). Really, the more you know about your plot and characters going in, the more it helps. Understanding what motivates your hero and why is the golden thread of your … [Read more...] about 5 NaNoWriMo Hacks To Keep Words Flowing
A Storyteller’s Swiss Army Knife? The Setting
Writing the Urban and Rural Setting Thesaurus books taught Becca and me something big: that the Setting really is the Swiss Army Knife of Storytelling. Whaaaat, you say? It's the truth. Check out all it can do: create conflict or tension foreshadow a coming event encourage an … [Read more...] about A Storyteller’s Swiss Army Knife? The Setting
Creating Mood In A Scene Using Light and Shadow
What’s one of the first things a person does to set the mood at home for a romantic evening? She turns down the lights. This simple adjustment is a big step toward creating a calm, receptive atmosphere. Just as the amount and quality of lighting will influence the way people feel in real life, we … [Read more...] about Creating Mood In A Scene Using Light and Shadow
The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Personal and Natural Places
Within the pages of a book exists a world drawn from a writer’s deepest imaginings, one that has the ability to pull readers in on a visceral level. But the audience’s fascination will only last if the writer can describe this vibrant realm and its inhabitants well. The setting achieves this by … [Read more...] about The Rural Setting Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Personal and Natural Places
Secret Setting Thesaurus Entry: Antiques Shop
Congratulations, intrepid explorer! You've discovered one of our SECRET Setting Thesaurus entries. This one is from The Urban Setting Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to City Spaces. We hope the sensory information below will add a deeper richness to your story. The setting is a … [Read more...] about Secret Setting Thesaurus Entry: Antiques Shop
35+ Posts To Help Writers Elevate Their Craft And Marketing Skills
A friend of mine asked me for a list of posts that I would like shared online (how nice, right?) and it prompted me to visit my website stats to see what posts were the most popular with those who visit. This in turn led to the bright idea that instead of just sending her the list, I should share … [Read more...] about 35+ Posts To Help Writers Elevate Their Craft And Marketing Skills
The Novelist’s Triage Center: The Place to Get Unstuck and Finish Your Book
There you are, happily pounding out words, the click and rattle of the keyboard creating a musical symphony in your writing space. And then...it happens. Your mind goes blank. At first, you don't understand. You stare at your fingers. Why aren't they moving, directing fictional lives, … [Read more...] about The Novelist’s Triage Center: The Place to Get Unstuck and Finish Your Book
One Stop For Writers’ Descriptive Thesaurus Database
A Closer Look at Our Show-Don't-Tell Database As some of you know, the heart of One Stop For Writers is our signature Descriptive Thesaurus Database. Visitors to this blog (and The Bookshelf Muse before it) have watched Becca and I create highly-sensory, real-life description lists for many … [Read more...] about One Stop For Writers’ Descriptive Thesaurus Database
The One Stop For Writers Library Is Now Open!
Pass around the party blowers and get your confetti ready, because today we're launching One Stop For Writers, a powerhouse online library to help writers elevate their storytelling. This site has been in the works for a year, a collaboration between Becca, Lee Powell (the talented creator of … [Read more...] about The One Stop For Writers Library Is Now Open!
ONE STOP FOR WRITERS®
Becca and I are pleased to bring you another resource from Writers Helping Writers® One Stop For Writers® is a web app packed with unique tools and resources to save you time as you plan, research, and write. A powerhouse of writing information, One Stop is the permanent home for our … [Read more...] about ONE STOP FOR WRITERS®
Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving
Writing itself is change, and within story structure, transitions are key to keeping things moving. It isn't just about getting your character from scene to scene, it's also is about communicating ideas and making sure there's a smooth flow from one piece of information to the next. Without … [Read more...] about Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving