The Outcome Can Terrorize You If there's a thousand ways to do something, there's a thousand ways to do it right. And a thousand ways to muck it up. And the truth is -- you'll never find the process that works for you, without stumbling through a few of those. InĀ On Writing Well, by William [...]
Tag: creativity
Creative Thinking & Writer’s Block: Oblique Strategies App
There's a bunch of apps out there to help you be a better writer. You may want to try a few to see what works for you. May I recommend Oblique Strategies? It's available for both Android (here) and Apple (here) This sleek, straightforward app is designed to give you simple food for thought and [...]
How to Outline Your Novel or Nonfiction Book
In my years as a developmental editor, ghostwriter, and book reviewer, I've come across a few tricks to breaking down a good story, and a few tips for assembling one. In the discussion about different types of writers -- "planners" vs. "pantsers" -- I tend to come down closer on the side of "planner." I [...]
Ad Copy & Poetry: Kissing Cousins
Ad copy and poetry are about emotion. What's the result? The old tricks work for both.
On Intransitive Emotions
Writing emotions is complicated. Do all your characters' emotions make sense? Tips for writing fiction and nonfiction.
Write like the greats: Charles Bukowski
Emotion breaks across the page in poetry. I examine how Charles Bukowski hid vulnerability in his strength.
On drinking, smoking, and drugs in fiction
Readers think they're smart. Be prepared to go Gonzo rather than trying to trick them.
Chance, Luck, & The Deus ex Machina in Fiction Writing
Use chance and luck to explore subtle nuances of a character's choices and fufill their destiny.
Writing Challenge: Include sensations of movement
The universe is in constant motion. This is my understanding of its oh-so-important laws of physics. Movement is as natural and as important to the world condition as anything. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, it's important to address your characters movements through space. How can you describe the movements of people in their mannerisms and [...]
Reading for Fiction Writing
Writers love to read. Learn to leverage your reading for better writing.