In the summer retreat I’m teaching, this week, we’ve been focusing on conflict and emotion. I told everyone that while we think we read books for entertainment, that’s only half the reason. The other being emotion. A great story makes you feel an emotion, whether it be joy, anger, fear etc. One easy way to…
Tag: books
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Book Covers
Continuing with our month long prompts based on sayings, this week it’s Don’t judge a book by its cover. Who says this, are they referring to themselves or another character? This might be the title of the story, a line of dialogue or even the theme. Have fun and happy writing.
Monday Motivation-What’s Your Dream?
Thoreau properly wasn’t referring to writing when he said this but I think he was reminding us that dreams live within us 24 hours a day. If writing is your dream what are you doing to make things happen? This week write down at least three things that come instantly to mind.
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Heading Outside While I Can
Tomorrow’s there’s another heat advisory. It’s going to be super hot and humid so I’ve taken my office outside today. Right now, there’s a slight breeze but I feel the humidity starting to gather so I’ll enjoy the great outdoors while I can. Seems I’m not the only one who thinks this year is…
Three Tips for Writing a Synopsis
Are you a writer who hates the idea of writing a synopsis for your story? You’re not alone, most of my students tell me it’s their least favorite thing. You might love your story, have a potential bestseller on your hands, but unless you can make the synopsis shine as much as the…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Rain
The focus of this week’s prompt is based on another saying which is- ‘It never rains but it pours.’ Does one of your character say that line or maybe your story focuses on he or she’s misfortune. Maybe your story takes place during a thunderstorm. Lots you can do with this one so have fun…
Another Story Sparkler-Story Fragments
No Tuesday guest blogger today so I thought we’d fill the space with another Story Sparkler. This time it’s story fragments. All you need to do is fit a story around them. The moon shone over the lake. Alan saw a figure moving in the trees. It was Tuesday and it was raining…
Friday Ramblings-Things Get Done
Sometimes it’s the weather that helps you get stuff done. This week it’s been really humid and while I’ve been outside, I’ve also been stuck inside trying to escape the heat. A bit like the winter months which means I get stuff done. Many of you know I’ve had and still have a budget related…
Five Exercises to Improve Your Writing
No matter how long you’ve been writing, there’s always room for improvement. Here are five exercises I’ve been using to do just that- Warm Up Ever sat down to write and five…ten minutes later you’re looking at a blank screen or sheet of paper.? We, writers, for some reason, put lots of pressure…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Bread
Continuing with July’s theme of sayings, this week one of your characters has to say the following line. “That’s the best thing since sliced bread.” Who says it and what are they referring to? Have fun building a story around this line and happy writing.