The writing prompts here are geared to some of my younger blog readers, but can be used by anyone – just adapt to something that relates to you and your experience, which is the role of a story starter anyway. … Continue reading
Category Archives: Characterization
Begin at the Beginning – a Plotter Tries Being a Pantser
Which came first – the chicken or the egg? The beginning or the end? When you write a story, do you start by knowing the characters and the opening, and then write to see where it takes you? (Option 1, … Continue reading
Gallery
Just What Is Literary Fiction?
What’s the definition of literary fiction? What’s the difference between literary and commercial fiction? Is one better than the other? Enquiring minds want to know! One writing instructor I had defined literary fiction as anything in the fiction part of … Continue reading
Gallery
How to Make Your Writing Sleek and Smooth
Of course you know the basic rules of fiction. Of course you don’t drag it down by telling instead of showing, or using weak verbs or passive voice. I’ll write about each of those eventually, but Kristen Lamb just put … Continue reading
Gallery
How to Find Story Ideas in the News
“Where do you get your ideas?” is one of the most common questions a writer hears. The answer is: everywhere! Once you start writing regularly, you find yourself with more ideas than you can write about at any given time. … Continue reading
Gallery
6 Ways Your Friends Can Help You Write
Friends can be stumbling blocks to your writing: interruptions, temptations & invitations, not to mention occasional put-downs and other negatives. But your friends can also further your writing, whether they know it or not! 1. Borrow your friend’s mannerisms or … Continue reading
Gallery
Discovering Characters
I don’t like character trait worksheets. Yes, I know that you need to know your characters backwards and forwards, but I can’t just make a list out of thin air. Does she like rap or soft rock? Pizza or steak? … Continue reading
