Here’s today’s guest blogger D.V Stone with why the delete button is a good thing… Shakespeare said in Merchant of Venice, “All that glitters is not gold.” Unfortunately, for an author, neither are all your words. Many people think editing is chasing down grammar and punctuation issues. That’s true, but editing a novel is so…
Author: This Writer's Life
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Who Do These Belong To?
This week prompt focuses on a character who comes home to find these boots and socks in their home. Who do they belong to? Is it someone they know? Perhaps someone from their past? Or has a complete stranger made themselves at home? It could even be they’re innocently in the wrong house. Lots you…
Hi Susan-Creative Pursuits
Time for another Hi Susan and this time it’s Chris who asked… You’ve mentioned your art and jewelry making, do you think having a creative hobby helps writers? My simple answer is yes. My not so simple answer is I’ve used lots of techniques to help me work out stories, brainstorm ideas, and sort out my…
Monday Motivation-There’s Always Someone Cheering You On
Lots of people keep their goals and dreams a secret. They think if they don’t attain them then people will laugh about it. That’s not always true. Share your dream and goal and you might just find your biggest cheerleader. TWL is here for you. We’re a growing writing community that is here to support…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Learn Something New
It’s March and it probably comes as no surprise that it’s snowing again. I can’t remember the last time there was a winter with not just snow but heavy snowstorms every few days or so. I think lots of people will appreciate spring this year. I know I will. The February classes are history…
How I Plot My Novels with Joan Ramirez
Say hello to this week’s guest blogger, Joan Ramirez, who tells us how she plots her novels… I’m a great believer in exercise as stimulus for writing a novel. While doing yoga, I tune into my inner psyche to think about my protagonist and how I will introduce her to the reader in the first…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Lost
This week you have a character who is lost. It could be that they are physically lost or maybe lost as to what direction in life they should take. Did they head out on a hike and can’t find their way back? Maybe they can’t find where they parked their car at the…
How To Be A Great Hooker
Did the title of this post get your attention? I’m guessing some people will seek this out thinking it’s about a very different topic. I could have said how to write a great opening to your story. My aim wasn’t to fool anyone but to show you how you can draw readers into a story. Or, in this case,…
Monday Motivation-Tiny Achievements Big Results
You know by now I love taking a quote and giving it a writing centric twist. This one reminds us to celebrate all successes no matter how small. The first letter to an editor ever published. Your first byline. The first published short story. The first time you win a contest. The very first…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-An Amazon First for Me!
February started with cold and snow, and as I write this last Ramblings of the month, looks like it’s going to end that way too. I’m seriously thinking about holding writing retreats someplace warm next winter! Another month almost done and my February To Do folder is almost empty. Second month in a row. Putting…