Let me introduce you to Online University’s 75 Books Every Writer Should Read, broken into the following categories: Writing Basics Advice for Authors Improving Your Writing Grammar Reference Books Writing as a Career Genre or Format Specific Classics Creativity and Motivation Five of my favorites of the 75 books every writer should read: The Writers […]
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Thanksgiving Behind Bars: Knowing your Characters
I’ve noticed that on many creative writing blogs writers share their work. What a revelation! I’ve been spending most of my time writing about blogging and craft (which have their place, of course), when my peers are doing what they do best–writing creatively. So using a prompt adapted from The Pocket Muse: “In your character’s voice, describe a holiday without […]
Book Talk / Some Writers Deserve to Starve!
Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 31 Brutal Truths About The Publishing Industry. Elaura Niles puts into words what beginning writers already know in their guts. Getting published isn’t easy. Once the writing’s done, the work begins. But then again, what of value ever comes easily? It helps to get an inside look at the realities that lie ahead for […]
A Beginner’s Introduction to the AddToAny Widget Button
So, what’s an AddToAny widget button? I’m sure you’ve seen one before. And it’s usually found at the bottom of a post or website. This is a free way to boost traffic back to your site by making it easier for visitors to share your content. All they have to do is click the widget and […]
Write Bravely / Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
In the September 2010 issue of Writer’s Digest, Ellen Hopkins said, “Write bravely,” and “Don’t be afraid to experiment.” Well, writing bravely and experimenting are two things I haven’t been doing much in my blog. I’ve been playing it safe, trying to write posts that will appeal to a universal audience, staying away from the […]
Form in Fiction
Phil Bond has been one of my critique partners for over three years and has agreed to share his essay: Form in Fiction an essay and a review of resources In fiction, form is another word for structure or plot. Without a plot, we have no satisfying story, only an event, an anecdote, a fragment, or a fable. Apart […]