This is the first month of 2018 that I’ve felt days have just flown by. I had one workshop end today and another one ends next week, but it seems like only yesterday I was welcoming everyone to the new classes. At least all the snow as melted and warmer days are on the horizon…hopefully! Before I…
Tag: writing
Plotter vs. Panster or How I Became a Plotser by Judy Penz Sheluk
Not sure if you’re a plotter or a punster, author Judy Penz Sheluk might have the solution… As a pantser (someone who writes without an outline, outside of a rough idea of where the story might be going), I’ve always envied plotters (someone who actually knows where the story is going before they begin to…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Tattoo
For this week’s prompt your character gets a tattoo. Is it their first tattoo? Do they already have lots of tattoos? Does someone dare them to get one? What sort of tattoo do they get and why? Do they have regrets or second thoughts about their decision? Have fun and happy writing.
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Message in a Bottle
For this writing prompt it’s all about a message in a bottle. Is your character the one who finds the bottle? Maybe they’re the one who writes the message? What is written on the sheet of paper? Is it something romantic or was it written as an SOS? When was it written and how…
Working through the roadblocks by author Seelie Kay
Are you experiencing a roadblock with your story or writing in general? Here’s Seelie Kay to show us how she works through it. “Who is more to be pitied, a writer bound and gagged by policemen or one living in perfect freedom who has nothing more to say?” ― Kurt Vonnegut While I have never…
Say What You Mean AKA Writing Bloopers
Fingers are flying across the keyboards, the muse has taken over and you’re in the zone. That’s great, that’s what we want but sometimes the excitement about writing something truly wonderful can make you all too eager to hit the send button or press, publish. Yes, I’ve done it. I’ve been guilty of it as both a freelance…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Lost and Found
This prompt focuses on lost keys. Is your character the person who loses the keys or finds them? Where were they lost or found? Out on a trail, public transportation, grocery store maybe? What lock do the keys fit? Car, house, deposit box? What’s the character’s reaction when they either discover they’re lost or…
What Writing a TV Pilot Has Shown Me
Most of you know I’m working on my first TV pilot. I’ve been an author of novels and short stories for longer than I can remember but this new experience has shown (and is teaching) me new things about the writing process. I thought I’d share these five insights with you here… Go Outside Your Comfort Zone…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-First Flight
For this writing prompt your character has received a gift certificate for a flight in a hot air balloon. Some questions to ponder before you begin writing… Have they ever been in one before? Who gave them the gift? Do they hate heights? Do they have a fear of flying? Do they overcome their…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-A Teacher to Watch
Happy Friday everyone. I’ll start this Ramblings with some good news. This week I got an e-mail from Skillshare telling me I’ve been named a teacher to watch. It’s a platform I love offering my classes on so it meant a lot to me. And thank you to the students who have taken my classeses because…