Tag Archives: writing
Who are You? by Brenda J. Wood
You are a writer. Just what does that look like? You introduce yourself through your books. You are not super organized unless it comes to plotting. You are a pantser and make up your story as you go. You thrive on deadlines. Deadlines are your enemy. Your favourite topic is your latest novel. You are… Read more »
You Still Get Fudge by Brenda J. Wood
Even though the recipe is unbelievably simple, even though there are only two ingredients, the result is terrific fudge. 1 pkg. (225 g) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate 1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Melt chocolate as directed on… Read more »
Willing to Move by Brenda J. Wood
I told myself I’d earned a rest from the drudgery of real life. What would a few days matter anyway? Presents were purchased, wrapped, and delivered. Cookies and pies lined the freezer walls. Those with nowhere to go had been invited to share our turkey dinner. Why, I’d even cleaned long neglected corners. What else… Read more »
Writers Must Read by Steph Beth Nickel
Stephen King said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
Three Basics of Productive Writing by Pamela Mytroen
Pandemonium in an English Language Arts classroom reminded me just how important three vital elements are when it comes to productive writing. Once these missing elements were in place, the students began cranking out assignment after assignment. These disciplines should help all writers become productive.
The Mind’s Eye: Part 5 of Writing with Sensory Details – Sandi Somers
I had read the book Pride and Prejudice, noting that the author, Jane Austen, didn’t give many visual cues as to clothing, body language or even where the scene was located. Instead, she focused more on dialogue. The movie, in contrast, contained a lot of visual cues, showing the Bennet family home, the family at… Read more »
Fiction Writing 101: Part 9 – Beguiling Beginnings – Janice L. Dick
Plato said, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Kimberly Yuhl suggests you have eight words to capture your reader’s attention. Rob Weatherhead states in the article, Say it Quick, Say it Well (please excuse the grammar), that the attention span of a modern internet consumer is short. “Studies have shown that… Read more »
Sound Bytes: Part 4 of Writing with Sensory Details – Sandi Somers
Beethoven discovered he was losing his hearing as early as age 25. For a musician, nothing could be more disastrous. In his depression he wrote, “Alas! How could I possibly refer to the impairing of a sense which in me should have been more perfectly developed than in other people, a sense which at one… Read more »
Fiction Writing 101: Part 8 — Janice Dick
In my Fiction Writing 101 series, I often refer to James Scott Bell and his writing books and tools, especially Plot & Structure. My copy is well-marked and highlighted. That’s where I first heard the differentiation between an OP and a NOP. OPs are Outline People, NOPs are Non-Outline People. The abbreviations are easy to… Read more »
How to Write 9,000 Words per Hour and Not Wear Yourself Out — Jack Popjes
If you are like most writers, you keep a daily journal, not only for the ordinary events of life, but for the more interesting experiences—the stuff of anecdotes—as well as descriptions of people, locations, and ideas for story plots and twists. Those of us who started writing decades ago probably have shelves of handwritten journals,… Read more »