Browsing Tag

fiction writing tips

52 Leaps of Faith

Today’s guest post is from Phillip McCollum, who many of you might remember as the author of The Pros and Cons of Being an INTJ Writer. Phillip has been blowing my mind for the past year as he’s written a new short story EVERY WEEK for 52 WEEKS. Today’s post is all about what the process taught him and how it helped him become a better writer.

52 short stories in 52 weeks?

It wasn’t going to work. I just knew it. It would be a colossal waste of time and I would be stuck in the same damn rut 52 weeks from now–a hard drive filled with innumerable half-starts and unfinished tales.

First of all, I wanted to write novels. Short stories were OK, but they weren’t novels. I’d been indoctrinated by countless ‘writing experts’ that the two styles were as different as house cats and narwhals and if you wanted to do one of them, you should absolutely, without a doubt, completely ignore the other. Continue Reading

2 August, 2018 by

Essential Skills for Writers: Having the Courage to Make Up Your Own Rules

Star Shaped SunglassesRecently I was reading through one of the many writing blogs I subscribe to and I came across a list of do’s and don’ts for writers. Some of the advice came from editors, some from agents, and some from famous, bestselling authors. One of the “rules” said (and I’m paraphrasing): “Any time two characters are sitting around talking about another character the scene is dead.”

I instantly panicked. Continue Reading

24 November, 2014 by

5 Easy Ways to Make Writing a Habit

Build a Writing Kit
Sometimes I carry a small canvas bag, and sometimes I use a portfolio binder. You can choose whatever container works for you, as long as you have your laptop, notebook(s), and pens or pencils all in one place and ready to go. Continue Reading

12 December, 2013 by

How NaNoWriMo Can Change Your Writing Life

National Novel Writing Month has something for writers of every personality type. Tight deadlines for those who work well under pressure, well-deserved admiration for those who thrive by having their talents recognized, and the freedom to work with or without an outline, according to individual creative taste. Continue Reading

18 October, 2013 by

Cooking up Chemistry between Characters

SAMSUNG

Good characters can make or break your novel.

An audience will follow an extraordinary, kick-ass character through any number of complex scenes, plot twists, and controversial decisions. As a writer, you already know that the best characters are layered, multi-dimensional beings who can think for themselves. You know that you have to go inside each character to get something awesome happening on the outside. Continue Reading

12 September, 2013 by