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...
Writing Tip: creating fantasy names
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...
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...
Dealing with Feedback
Dealing with feedback is something we have to master if we dream of becoming a published writer. It’s inevitable that at some point you have to release your writing into the wild. Which means someone will read your work and possibly leave feedback. And we know anonymous people on...
Happy New Year – Start your goals
Happy New Year Everyone! It’s bittersweet isn’t it? On one hand it’s exciting to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with new goals, new hopes, new outlooks. But there’s something sad about letting go. I took the ornaments off my tree today, and it looks so bare. Taking...
First day of writing class: Bullet Journals
Welcome to the first day of writing class. If we were in a traditional classroom, I’d give a quick introduction about myself and setup the class rules. Yes, there are rules in creative writing class. Not only would I go over the rules, I’d pass out a copy and...