I think you'd be hard-pressed to argue against the idea that characters can make or break a story. In most cases, if not all, they are our guide through a story. More importantly, sometimes the story is their story. Regardless, your characters need to be compelling, or at the very least real in some manner. … Continue reading 6 tips and tricks to developing strong fictional characters
I'm reading a book right now that is making me feel things. This, from a writer's perspective, is an awesome accomplishment. He, the author, has created characters that make me hurt. He has put me in scenarios that scare me, all despite it being based in a fantasy world that couldn't possibly exist. Even so, … Continue reading 6 ways to make your writing pack an emotional punch
I don't tend to make rant posts (too often, anyway), but while sitting in the lobby of one of my school buildings, I happened to listen in on a conversation between a student and a teacher. Often times, our teachers don't meet with us in their offices. Why? I couldn't tell you, but this particular … Continue reading The teachers are failing. Not us.
There are plenty of guides on how to do this. Plenty to be found on the internet, but a lot of them, I have found, don't have examples, which I will be sharing with you all today. If you didn't already know, there is a general consensus on how to format a manuscript, and this … Continue reading How to Format a Manuscript
I'd rather fail doing what I love, than succeeding at something I hate. Call me an idiot, but I'm just telling you the truth. Writing is a life of rejection. The moment you decide to start on the path of professional writing, you are setting yourself up for a certain amount of failure - some … Continue reading Dealing with Rejections, and Knowing When to Quit
What is a beta reader? A person who reads a work for context, plot, and continuity. Not to be confused with an EDITOR who looks for mechanical errors as well as context, plot, and continuity. Is usually not paid. Can be done for any piece of writing, including, but not limited to: blog posts, short … Continue reading Beta Readers – The Ultimate Guide for Writers
Do you have fresh, innovative ways to write, edit, or get published? Want to spread your knowledge and help other aspiring authors out there? Want to establish a long-lasting literary relationship through simply doing what you do best: writing? Then head over to my HOME page and submit a contact sheet requesting to guest post! … Continue reading Want to Guest Post?
With the rise in self-publishing, traditional publishers are scrambling to keep their side of the market afloat. They're beginning to approach self-publishers, presenting them deals they may not have received otherwise. Self-publishing has opened doors for creative minds. With the addition of #pitmad and #askanagent on Twitter and G+, self-publishers and aspiring authors are able … Continue reading Self-Publishers Beware, Some Deals ARE Too Good.
As we all know, I'm a huge proponent of outlines, lists, etc. including during the writing process. As such, I thought it would be cool to take it one step further and let you all in on a new process a friend of mine has for mapping out her stories. Unlike me, she is a … Continue reading How to Map Your Plot
Today I had the strangest experience. I was writing a short story for my next short story anthology, just doing my daily thing when I realized what was playing in the background while I wrote. Now, just a bit of background, I always write with music playing. I usually put on my writer playlist, but … Continue reading The Strangest Music to Write to
