Many how-to authors will tell you that you can’t wait for inspiration. Never wait for it, make it happen, et cetera and so on. I’ve come to the conclusion over the years that many how-to authors don’t actually have any idea how anyone else works. One of the most prolific writers I know personally only […]
I Can’t Wait for Inspiration Read More ยป
You’ve heard the advice. Set goals. Write them down. Post them somewhere. Sometimes the advisor will expand it with “make tangible goals” or “set goals, and then establish smaller steps to reach them.” And often there’s “set goals you can control.” You can’t make yourself write a bestseller. You can make yourself write book after
Goal-Setting Means SETTING A GOAL Read More ยป
If you’ve been hanging around lately, you’ve heard me complain about writing at the speed of a thundering herd of reluctant turtles. (Actually I’m not sure I’ve complained here. Anyway. Complaining. Turtles. Herd. Onward.) I’ve been whining about my Goodreads story. I wanted to toss out a quick fun story that readers hopefully would enjoy
The Set-Up and the Straight-Away Read More ยป
A friend was talking recently about how she has been writing some time, has done this, done that, and still doesn’t feel like much of a writer because ______. As I know this friend to be an awesome writer, I was surprised. Minutes later I read on Twitter that Maureen Johnson didn’t feel comfortable giving
Are We Where Yet? Read More ยป
I follow @smoulderingsea on Twitter, and every once in a while he tosses out some sharp, smartย #editortips. A recent one went something like “if it doesn’t have anything to do with your story, it doesn’t matter how you love it. Take it out.” My response to this has traditionally been a whine of “it all
Know Which Darlings to Kill Read More ยป
When they tell you that writing a script can help your novel–listen. Like many writers, I am a rabid collector of writing books. Until fate brought Save the Cat into my hands, though, I’d resisted moving beyond novel-writing books. Not because I doubted they would help at all. Because I felt I should focus, since
If you haven’t seen Tremors, you need to. While you’re at it, watch the sequels. Even the prequel. Don’t go in expecting a Great Cinematic Experience. Just watch some fun movies. Done? Because there may be spoilers ahead. I’m not reviewing the movies, but I am going to talk about them. So. Not too long
Learning from Tremors Read More ยป