Strong beginnings for stories, articles and books come from common practices that transcend between genres and types of writing. Without strong beginnings, we may lose a reader before they start. Haven’t you picked up a book or an article to…
Story setting can consist of more than where a story takes place. When written well, story setting can interact with characters, taking on an integral place within the story. The best settings become part of the story. Consider this question.…
Memorable days can occur without warning. Any day can become momentous on a personal level. Today, consider and write about the most memorable day of your life. What happened? Why do you remember it? Write from your heart and include…
Do you have a writing rhythm? What does that even mean? Most successful writers need a writing rhythm, though it differs. Like tastes in music, no one rhythm fits every writer. Still, understanding your personal writing rhythm can help with…
“I feel afraid when I bare my soul. I run the risk that others will despise me, ridicule me, or ignore me. But that’s who I am. That’s all I have to offer.” ~Cecil Murphy (Unleash the Writer Within) As…
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…