If a book is "formulaic," meaning that the plot and characters are those that we've seen too many times before, chances are the reviews won't be stellar and sales will be dismal. Yet, because we are all exposed to the same stimuli, it's hard to think of new scenarios. One of the best ways to encourage your plot to soar into new directions is by ensuring that Read More
A Social Shift in Writing
Clive Thompson wrote in Wired Magazine about how our language has changed due to electronics. He calls it a social shift in writing as smart phones and dictation apps automatically make our writing more casual. Furthermore, voice dictation software is becoming more widely used and also contributes to this casual prose phenomenon. A recent study analyzed how Read More
Character is More than Eye Color
How many times have you read a description of a leading character that pretty much starts and stops with their physical beauty? I’ve got news...character is more than eye color. Sure, if you’re a romance writer it’s important to give readers a bit of brain candy. Who doesn’t like to read about rippling muscles and the arms that reach out to hold his love? Read More
What Do You Want to Be?
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a common question asked to children. I think it’s something we should ask ourselves from time to time. Creative people often have second careers. Why? Because we just can’t help ourselves from letting the creative juices flow. And, if you can make a living from it, all the better. But what if you’re not Read More