Q & A: Research and interviewing
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...
Writing Tip: Getting the words right
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...
Don’t let fear and vulnerability keep you from writing
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...
Pantsing didn’t work for me, but here’s what did
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...
Overcome Writing Fear
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...
Cultivate Writing Bliss
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...
Time Management for Writers
I don’t want to give you the opinion I’m a time management expert. I’m not even close. But I have found a few things that work for me that I’d like to pass along. First, I’d like to suggest watching Laura Vanderkam’s Ted talk. I love her take on...
Too Tired to Write
The biggest reason I don’t write as often as I should is that many nights I’m too tired to write. It’s frustrating to read about other writers who stay up until 4 in the morning or people who give up everything so they have time to write. I seriously...
Using character motivation and beliefs to raise the stakes
As you write, look through each of your character's eyes. Look for their character motivation, but also for their beliefs and ways these can cross paths in a way that forces your character to make a decision that puts their goal in danger. ...
Dealing with Rejection
All of us will encounter rejection at some time in our life, some more than others. Writers fall into this often rejected category. It’s a fact of life we have to learn to deal with. I wrote a short story in January and entered it into a contest. We...