Tag Archives: steph beth nickel
What is my Story Premise?
by Steph Beth Nickel Speculating about Premise Below are the first three pages of my YA spec fiction manuscript. Just for fun, create a What if . . .? question reflecting what you think my premise may be. Reminder: On Dani Petrey’s website, she poses this What if . . .? question about Raiders of… Read more »
Christmas 2024
Greetings, Fellow InScribers! This is my last Christmas greeting as the pro blog moderator. I am thrilled to let you know that Pamela Mytroen has agreed to join the team as the new moderator. Thank you SO MUCH, Pam! I also want to thank everyone who has written for the blog over the years. I… Read more »
Sin Sceal Eile by Steph Beth Nickel
While on vacation, I purchased a t-shirt bearing the words “sin sceal eile,” which is Irish Gaelic for “that’s another story.” How appropriate! There are several applications of this expression for us as writers: When we come up with an idea for a book, personal essay, or blog post, it’s helpful to jot down enough… Read more »
The Importance of Collaboration by Steph Beth Nickel
This post first appeared on Janet Sketchley’s blog, Tenacity, on October 27, 2023: There are many expressions of collaboration among creatives, in particular, among writers. Below are just three of the possibilities: Coauthoring a Book I am currently working on a collaboration with Paralympian Deb Willows to complete her second memoir. This past week, I… Read more »
Writing Inspiration, It’s Everywhere by Steph Beth Nickel
As writers, we’re often asked where we get our ideas. The answers are far-reaching. When I was in Scotland for our son’s wedding nine years ago, we went on several hikes. On one of these excursions, I took a rest by the side of the path and snapped a few pictures of the woodland. Because… Read more »
Write Compelling Cozy Mysteries by Steph Beth Nickel
This post originally appeared on the InScribe Writers Online blog earlier this month. Among many others genres, I enjoy reading a compelling cozy mystery. In my mind, these are five of the characteristics that make a story “unputdownable”: “In Medias Res” Opening I want to be plunged into the middle of the action. I’ll figure… Read more »
A Variety of Genres by Steph Beth Nickel
While there are several advantages to writing in only one or two genres, there are successful authors who write in a variety of genres. Authors choose the genre(s) they write in based on a number of factors. Not surprisingly, one of these factors is what they enjoy reading. The following are some of the genres… Read more »
‘Twas the Day Before Christmas by Steph Beth Nickel
Below is a poem I wrote several years ago. Be encouraged! ’Twas the day before Christmas and all through the land,The people were traveling, some hand in hand,No stockings were hung, no chimneys in sight,Just walking – keep walking – until it is night. Some people were nestled all snug in their bedsWhile others had… Read more »