Tag: writing tips

A part of me has always known that writing endings is one of my weaknesses. However, it wasn’t until reading this Writer’s Digest article that it hit home. In tip two, Audrey Wick tells us not to submit stories with “to be continued” endings. That phrase gave me a...

For me, writer’s block falls into two categories. The first one is most identifiable — fear. I fear so much. I fear that my writing won’t be any good, that it’ll offend someone, that someone will take it the wrong way, that it sounds too deep or not deep...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...