Do you ever daydream? Most people do, whether or not we admit it. Daydreams create the perfect opportunity for a fiction writer to create fascinating worlds. However, non-fiction writers can also benefit from a few moments of letting the mind…
Need a creative prompt today? Begin a story with this sentence. Last night, as the moon rose, I… What did you do? Get creative, don’t simply write I went to bed. Decide whether you want to pursue funny, scary, unbelievable,…
Before the editor, take time to eliminate a few obvious errors. Paying attention to the five tips listed in this week’s blog before the editor sees your manuscript makes a world of difference in the quality of edit you receive…
Look outside and reflect on what you notice most. Write a paragraph (or ten) using all five senses to describe what you see today. Hint: You might have to brave the heat and step outside for a few minutes. For…
Use an existing character (or create a new one) who falls in love with a specific city or region. Your character lives too far away to visit this favorite location and wants to move. But to move, he or she…
Why write? When someone first learns I write for a living, she (or he) lights up. With sparkling eyes, the questions begin. Really? What do you write? Are you published? Do you have books I can buy and read? (Well,…
Evil adverbs haunt our writing if we don’t pay attention to and eliminate them. As we study books on writing, attend workshops and conferences, and participate in writers’ groups, we learn to avoid adverbs. While not always possible, try to…
