I'm generally a pantser. My words tend to zigzag behind my thoughts as they try to keep up. When I reach a plot point or scene where I'm unsure of the direction I stop and take a short walk, or I go through my research again. Sometimes a walk is enough to dislodge what is stuck, … Continue reading Michael Crichton’s Method for Plotting Out a Story
Write Tip
How to Write a Novel in Three Days
I wanted to post something last week. I had intended to finish a piece on the mythos of The Morrigan, but then my machine broke and died an agonizing sputtering death, and I was left without anything to write on. I had to dug out an ancient HP laptop--it used to have Vista but I … Continue reading How to Write a Novel in Three Days
The New World of Publishing: Having Fun
As you probably know, I follow Dean Wesley Smith's blog regularly. A few months ago I blogged about how he completed a 70,000 word novel in only ten days. Dean is a veteran writing machine and regularly provides useful advice for us newbie writers. I don't necessarily adhere to all his instructions, but I do … Continue reading The New World of Publishing: Having Fun
David Farland On Editing Your Novel
I get David Farland's Daily Kick in the Pants newsletter and it's always brimming with insightful and helpful tips on all facets of the writing life. You may recall a while back I blogged about David's son, Ben Wolverton, who suffered severe brain trauma in a tragic long-boarding accident. It's been over sixty days since the … Continue reading David Farland On Editing Your Novel
Hugh Howey on Discoverability
Starting out on this journey I initially burdened myself with the mistaken belief that if I put my all into my writing, write the best story I can, package it with a nice eye-catching cover, the discoverability part would take care of itself. I was so wrong. In a sea of books, how do you … Continue reading Hugh Howey on Discoverability
Good Writing vs. Talented Writing and Other Demonic Infestations
Here is another piece from Brain Pickings on the difference between good writing and talented writing that I want to discuss. I'm fairly new to having my work read by the public and though I've been writing for many years, I think it would be arrogant of me to start handing out writing advice. There are many … Continue reading Good Writing vs. Talented Writing and Other Demonic Infestations
Woelf Dietrich 