Words & Deeds

February 17, 2022

The Risk of Relying on Blog Traffic

While my income doesn’t rely on number of views or clicks, I do have an interest. And a recent, dramatic change in views and referrals really highlighted the risk of relying on blog traffic for income. And, yes, there are many risks. Audience whims, change in trends, and intense competion (to name a few). The biggest risk, however, is Google....

Categories Business & Publishing Comments: 0

February 10, 2022

How to Take a Day Off Without Breaking Your Writing Habit

Once you’ve established a writing habit, the last thing you want to do is break it – that stalls progress faster than almost anything else. But you still need days off and vacations, so let’s brainstorm some ideas for how to take a day of without breaking your writing habit. Preferably, not even denting it. Strategies to Keep Writing and...

Categories Creative Process/Holiday Comments: 0

February 3, 2022

Things to Consider When Writing Snow Storms

Snow storms can be a handy plot device, and if you’re from a snow country, you doubtless know all there is to know about them. This article is less for you and more for people who don’t have a lot of experience with serious snow. It’s not all the details, but it covers enough things to consider when writing snow...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Plot/Setting Comments: 0

January 27, 2022

6 Ways Dialogue Reveals Characterization

In truth, there are infinite ways dialogue reveals characterization, but, for the sake of article, I’m going to cover some of the most common and useful ones. Building Characterization through Dialogue Dialect Let’s get the obvious out of the way and talk about dialects or accents (don’t get nitpicky with me now, linguists). Dialogue is a wonderful way to establish...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

January 20, 2022

7 Common Comma Mistakes

I wanted to call it “Common Comma Conundrums” (I’m a sucker for alliteration), but I figured “Common Comma Mistakes” was more searchable. Oh, well. Either way, it’s a list of comma errors that people make a lot and how to fix them. The 7 Most Common Comma Errors 1. Comma Splice A comma splice is when you join two sentences...

Categories Grammar & Editing Comments: 0

January 13, 2022

Gadget Writing Prompt

Worldbuilding isn’t always focused on unique creatures or types of magic. Sometimes, it gets its interest from inventions and innovation in technology, especially in Science Fiction, for example. From gadgets. This gadget writing prompt is designed to help you think of new and interesting technology for your story. 1. Analysis (Optional) The analysis step is most useful if you feel...

Categories Creativity Builders/Worldbuilding Exercises/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

January 6, 2022

Why You Shouldn’t Use Assignation for Assignment

I’m not sure why, but I’ve noticed that people who learned English as a second language often use assignation for assignment. And the switch can be a bit awkward. Those of you who know the same definition of assignation that I do can totally understand why it would be strange. Although you’re probably a bit baffled at why multiple people...

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

December 25, 2021

Merry Christmas 2021

Merry Christmas, everyone! Or if you don’t celebrate it, happy December 25th! I hope you are all safe and well this holiday season. A special note for those that find the holiday season painful and sad: I hope you find comfort where you can, and please, do not believe the lies that depression and anxiety can tell. You can feel...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

December 23, 2021

When the Plot Doesn’t Matter

What? Is that ever true? Yes, actually. There are times when the plot doesn’t matter because it isn’t the main reason for reading or watching. Shows & Books Where the Plot Isn’t Important Ok, yes, they all have plots; however, the plots are very predictable, very simple, or “a series of unfortunate events.” In fact in some of these examples,...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Research & Worldbuilding Comments: 0

December 16, 2021

Yet Another Week Gone By

Yep. Another week gone by without a real post. Crossed fingers that next week I’ll be able to get back to normal (or as close as I get). Upcoming vacation days should help, but cross your fingers anyway! Here’s another cute kitty for you in the meanwhile. No, I don’t have a million cats – I just take pictures for...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0