If you’re new to writing (or even if you’re not) you’ve definitely received this advice: write every day. People tell you about Stephen King and how he writes several thousand words a day. And of course you want to be successful like Stephen King, so you need to do that too: write a thousand words,Continue reading “Write every day: Bad Writing Advice (Part One)”
Category Archives: Writing
6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak
When I heard that Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, was visiting Denver, I actually gasped out loud. The Book Thief has been influential in my writing and reading life in more ways than I can name. Suffice it to say that I have about a million favorite books, but when forced to choose just one, I say TheContinue reading “6 things I learned about writing from Markus Zusak”
The importance of community for writers
John Green, author of beloved YA novels such as The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns, once described writing as “a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” While amusing, the quote points to an overwhelming belief that writing is somethingContinue reading “The importance of community for writers”
The best way to improve your writing
I’ve wanted to be a published author for a long time, so naturally whenever I got the chance to go see an author speak, I jumped at it. I always had one question for them: what can I do to be a better writer? And no matter how many books they had published, how old theyContinue reading “The best way to improve your writing”
How to start writing your book
So, you’ve decided you want to write a book. You’ve figured out your idea, got a good handle on the characters and plot, and you’re ready to begin! But…how exactly do you do that? One of the hardest parts of writing a book is staring at that blank page, watching the cursor blink impatiently, andContinue reading “How to start writing your book”
Should I be political in my writing?
In today’s climate, it seems like everything is infused with politics and strong views. It’s hard to have a conversation without some crazy news story coming up. So, when you’re writing fiction, should you follow this trend? Especially if you’re claiming to write modern or contemporary fiction, it can seem hard to leave out anyContinue reading “Should I be political in my writing?”
10 podcasts to make you a better writer
I am unapologetically a podcast junkie–ask anyone. They’re a great way to expand your knowledge of the world, get advice from the pros, and listen to some great stories. This makes them a valuable resource for writers, and I’ve rounded up my top ten to help you grow in your skills and knowledge. 88 CupsContinue reading “10 podcasts to make you a better writer”
Dialogue Tags: what they are and how to use them
We have conversations of all sorts every day, and yet including them in our writing can be challenging. What’s interesting to the reader? What is too boring or too confusing? One of the key parts of writing when characters are talking is dialogue tags, and they can make or break your conversation. So what areContinue reading “Dialogue Tags: what they are and how to use them”
7 computer wallpapers to inspire your writing
The computer is both a blessing and a curse for any writer. It makes writing faster and research easier, but it also opens the temptation to wander down internet rabbit holes and waste hours away on social media. To help keep you focused and remind you that you should be writing, here are seven backgrounds forContinue reading “7 computer wallpapers to inspire your writing”