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. In On Writing Well, by William [...]
Tag: psychology
The importance of charity
It's a difficult thing, a solid thing, a hard thing: to let go. To release. But, decisions change the world.
On Intransitive Emotions
Writing emotions is complicated. Do all your characters' emotions make sense? Tips for writing fiction and nonfiction.
Eye Care for Writers
Writers, editors, and others who stare at computers for a long time are at risk of eye strain. Tips to keep your eyes healthy.
Using Personality “Tests” in Fiction
Who are your readers? Who are your characters? How do you connect them? In essence, this is the challenge of the fiction writer -- replacing real people with believable ones, and then somehow making them real for the real ones. The connections? Personality. (Not even "humanity" because even non-human characters need to have a personality.) [...]
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.
On the Bechdel Test
Realistically, not all conversations between characters of the same gender revolve around the opposite gender.
Thoughts On Vampires
Death is coming. For each of your characters. How will they live, knowing this truth? And what to do about vampires?
Editing for Creative Writing
Creativity is a gift. And a curse. Creative editors help writers make the most of their spark.