Last post I discussed beginning a new story, how to begin, and what tools we use. I mentioned a often-used acronym, BICHOK. Butt in chair, hands on keys. Here’s where that little mantra really becomes important. Learn it, know it, … Continue reading →
So, we’ve got all these wonderful characters talking in our heads, a fabulous plot, a gorgeous setting. We may or may not have an outline, depending on whether we like that sort of thing or prefer to wing it. Now … Continue reading →
This week we will take a look at researching stories. First up, what exactly does research encompass? Quite a lot actually. Of course, there are historical facts. Names, dates, places, major events. It also covers social and political ideas of … Continue reading →
Point of View Oh, those three dreaded words. I have gotten to the point as a writer that I understand POV is an important storytelling tool. I have even been dragged kicking and screaming into a place where I agree … Continue reading →
As I type this far ahead of time in anticipation of my National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) participation, I’m thinking nearly constantly about what I want to write. I’ve still got nearly the whole of October, though, so I’m silly … Continue reading →
This week’s topic is likely the most nebulous for me. It can be one of the hardest to reduce to specifics, but it is also one of the most important. The over-reaching ideas for your characters, plot and setting are … Continue reading →
Not long ago, I participated in a group experiment: several of us wrote a series on our creative processes, each from our own point of view. I have since taken that blog down, but wanted to present them here for … Continue reading →
I recently saw a close-up photograph of roses that allowed me to virtually smell their fragrance and feel the thick silk of their petals. At that moment, I realized it defines a goal for my writing.When readers honor me with … Continue reading →
National Novel Writing Month sweeps in with the autumn air of November. Are you getting on board with this worldwide event? For the first time, having only heard of it last year, I’m jumping in feet first.To help put participants … Continue reading →
There’s an idea in piano instruction called the Irreducible Minimums. It’s the idea that there are certain things that one must do on a regular basis, those “at least” things that keep us with one foot in the water. As … Continue reading →