Word Magic
Here’s a question I’ve been asking my stressed-out students: “Do you keep a writing journal?” Over the years, I’ve found that journaling: Reduces stress; Enhances productivity, so that you get more done in less time; Helps with overall creativity. Why journal NOW? In a word, stress. While we’re isolating ourselves, stress is a big challenge. We’re not in control; this … Read more
Are you facing the rebuilding of your freelance writing business? Many of the freelance writers with whom I’ve chatted over the past few weeks are struggling with cancelled gigs and clients who’ve shuttered their businesses. Although it seems Pollyanna-ish to say: “you’ll soon be back, bigger and better than ever,” a positive attitude is vital. Believe in yourself. Pray: prayer … Read more
Ideas are seductive, especially when you’re writing fiction. They can be dangerous too, during your first draft. If you revise while writing your first draft you might get into such a tangle that you never complete your novel. A couple of weeks back, an author asked: “is it essential to write my first draft straight through? I’ve got a couple … Read more
You’re writing fiction. Would you like to write a page-turner, that is, a novel which keeps your reader up long after his bedtime? Of course you would. Let’s look at how to do that. Whatever genre you’re writing, be it a cozy mystery, or science fiction, or even a literary novel, you need suspense to keep readers reading. “Suspense” is … Read more
Thinking about writing fiction? I’ve had questions from freelance writers who want to spend their sudden free time writing a novel. One writer, a former freelance writing student, said she’s tried writing fiction during NaNoWriMo, but hasn’t published a novel yet. She wants some help. “How do I write a good novel? What’s the secret?” She asked. Writing fiction: start … Read more