Category: Writing

The idea of interviewing people is terrifying. That’s why I’m not a journalist.  I’ve always wanted to be a fiction writer. But as you know, everyone tells us to pick a backup career. My backup was journalism. I minored in media studies in college and managed through the journalism...

Every writer needs to understand the importance of semantics and connotation. In our case, we’re talking about using the exact correct word needed to evoke the emotion or image we want. Imagine you’re reading a story about how the protagonist smashed her car into a tree, but then later...

When I come across good writing advice, or general advice that I can apply to writing, I often think about how I would present it to a class. Thinking about how to explain techniques to someone else enhances our own understanding. It also encourages us to use the advice...

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m writing a YA fantasy novel. My plan was to do all my plotting and planning in May and jump into writing in June. I thought if I had all of it mapped out in my head, once I sat down to...

I get tired of the pantsing versus plotting discussions. This isn’t meant to debate either of those, but to share with you what worked for me. Last year, I got an inkling of a story idea. I don’t remember where it came from. All I remember is that there...

Think about how your day goes when you’re in a bad mood. Do any of the following sound familiar? Are you more likely to be grumpy? Have less patience towards other people? Do you notice negative things more? Do you overreact to small things? Are you less objective? These...

Does uncertainty have you feeling so overwhelmed that all you want to do is crawl in bed? It does me. Especially, because it’s been rainy here. I’ve been trying to make the best use of my time. I’m making a slipcover. I’ve learned new things from watching marketing and...

Have you ever suffered from conflicting emotions about writing? You want to write, but fear it too. Does this sound familiar? I have a desire and need to write, deep down in my gut. Even when I’m not actively writing, I’m constantly studying and thinking about it. My shelves...

When was the last time you felt excited like the woman in the photo? If you’re like many of the people I see posting about being stuck in a sort of Groundhog Day, it’s probably been a while. You may have even forgotten what this feels like. A moment...

Business writing is both harder and easier than you think. First, business writing includes formal letters on letterhead as well as a quick email. That email you sent to your co-worker asking if she knew where the copy paper was, that too is business writing. Unless you’re in marketing,...