You’re awake. Instead of writing the Great American Novel—or even a mediocre one—you’re reading our blog. Okay, then. We offer a topic; you respond. Let your fellow writers inspire you, and return to that manuscript refreshed.
This week, much of the United States witnessed a total solar eclipse. Do natural events, such as hurricanes, tornados or a rare eclipse, play a role in your story?
Megan Norris Jones
Writing is like a fountain. Specifically, the fountain in our backyard, the one I stare at when the words aren’t flowing onto the paper quite as smoothly as the water flows from the basin of the fountain. Except, now that I stop to think about it, my writing process seems to work just like our fountain.
The fountain in our backyard was there when we bought the house, stacked stone encircling a pool of darting goldfish with a basin on a pedestal in the center. I had always wanted a fountain in my yard, a focal point of splashing coolness on hot summer days, a reminder of life in the dead of winter. It made the list of planned improvements for our last house, but the house was old and the list long, so “install a fountain” was just one of many items that never got crossed off. Continue reading
Posted in Megan's Posts
Tagged author motivation, inspiration, setting, writer's life, writing, writing life
Naomi Hawkins-Rowe
I’ve been told that the two places you should never attempt to talk to an editor (or anyone in publishing for that matter) are an elevator or a public bathroom. Seems logical and polite. No one wants anyone shoving a manuscript at them when 1) they have no exit, or 2) they are in a delicate situation. I state again, it’s a matter of being logically polite.
So imagine, regardless of knowing this tip of etiquette, I committed this faux-pas. Now, before I mislead you, I didn’t have my manuscript in hand, nor did I intend to solicit the editor with my manuscript, but for a brief moment you could tell she was wondering if I was going to try and shove one in her bag. Continue reading
Posted in Naomi's Posts
Tagged characters, conferences, setting, worldbuilding, writing tips
You finally have a moment to write, but what to do with your limited time? Here’s a practical prompt to kickstart the story you’re working on right now. The clock is ticking, people. Start writing.
Many stories ignore the long-term consequences of the massive destruction and casualties inflicted on character and setting for the sake of a good story. Consider fleshing out those consequences as you frame your story to add complexity and authenticity to your story world.
Posted in Practical Prompts, Uncategorized
Tagged character, practical prompts, setting
You’re awake. Instead of writing the Great American Novel—or even a mediocre one—you’re reading our blog. Okay, then. We offer a topic; you respond. Let your fellow writers inspire you, and return to that manuscript refreshed.
In a flat character arc, the character is already at their best potential. In this case, the world is changed by the character instead of the character changed by the world. Can you think of some good stories where this dynamic makes an engaging story?