As a writer, I’m always thinking about my characters. What can they do to move the story along? Who are their friends? What passions do they have? Where do they like to go? What music do they listen to? Much of what I know about my character, I do not share with the reader. If […]
The Confusing World of Mystery Genre
When I began writing fiction, I decided to write mysteries #amwriting #mystery Click To Tweet Why? I love to read mysteries. Actually I love reading lots of things, but I love the intrigue of a good mystery. When I picked up my pen and began the process of writing, I didn’t think, “What kind of […]
3 Tips for Writing a Series
Many of today’s writers write series books with recurring characters. Sue Grafton probably takes the prize for the most books with the same character with her alphabet mystery series starring Kinsey Milhone. Typical readers breeze through these books, enjoying the stories and feeling very comfortable with the characters. Those characters that reappear become the readers’ […]
What in the World is Writer’s Block?
I recently heard experts talking about the difficulties in finishing creative projects. Basically they were discussing the effects of writer’s block. On the program, hosted by Studio 360, psychiatrists and psychologists and people who study the brain explored whether or not writer’s block is real. Some people believe writer’s block is an excuse people use […]
Are You a Split-Personality Writer?
I recently saw the movie The Lady in the Van with Maggie Smith. This is the story about a homeless woman who parks her van in Alan Bennett’s driveway for fifteen years. It is a true story. One aspect of the movie I found interesting was Mr. Bennett’s writing style. He played two roles: his […]
Dogs Teach Writers How to Reveal Emotions
Recently I read a short article discussing the way dogs read people #amwriting Click To Tweet They seem to understand their owners emotions. According to the research dogs and humans are the only species able to do this. I know my dog can read my emotions. I’ve known that for a long time. I also […]
Do Readers Make Good Writers?
I always thought that because I loved to read and read a lot, I knew what good writing was. And, I suppose I assumed that reading taught me about writing. In some ways, it does. Reading puts good language into our subconscious. It’s like listening to and reading a new language. But does the process […]
Tips for Starting a New Novel
I recently started a new novel. I began with a germ of an idea and it has grown and emerged since. Because we all write in different ways, I thought I’d share some of my tips for starting a new novel and ask my writer friends to add a few of theirs. Working on a […]
The Last Clover
A story that will touch your heart #flashfiction #emotions #sisters @Writers RT Click To Tweet It glowed like a beacon n the grass. I plucked it right up and added it to my collection. “How many is that?” asked my sister, trotting behind me, eyes downcast, searching. “Dunno. Maybe six.” I skipped further along the […]
Why Writers Keep Writing
I’ve often wondered what keeps writers writing. As a reader, I’m grateful that people out there in the world persist in this rather unrewarding activity. I say unrewarding only in the sense of traditional rewards, e.g., money, fame. Most of what writers get instead is criticism or armchair hindsight. So why do writer’s write? I […]
