November 2015 – Words & Deeds

November 30, 2015

The Carte Blanche of a Likable Character

A while back, I was watching the M*A*S*H* series, and I had a little epiphany. It started when I realized that although Hawkeye and Trapper regularly tormented George Burns, the series always framed their actions as humorous and Burns’ actions as mean-spirited and wrong – which is essentially how the audience took it. And most of the time, Hawkeye and Trapper’s...

Characterization, Plot, & Setting/General Thoughts & Updates/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

November 29, 2015

Tea & Sex: The Power of Analogies

Have you ever tried to communicate an idea to someone who can’t seem to grasp what you’re saying? Your evidence and arguments are dismissed or ignored, or maybe you’re just having a hard time verbalizing your stance? Analogies can be a great way to make a point to someone when regular arguments fail. They’re also useful for persuasive articles or videos. I’m...

Literary Devices & Writing Techniques/Videos Comments: 0

November 28, 2015

Writing Ahead: A Lesson Learned From Exhaustion

The past week has taught me a lot about writing ahead when I can. I say when I can because, obviously, I can’t do that with twytte (that would defeat the purpose), but I usually try to keep this blog 1 a week ahead. For a few months, I was 2 weeks ahead. This week (this exhausting, ridiculous week) was the first time I haven’t been...

General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

November 27, 2015

Where Do You Write?

Writing in a café may not be your style, but it is a definite favorite of mine. Actually, I love writing in restaurants of any kind. I started doing it because it was a way to get some writing in on my lunch break or when traveling. It’s also a great way to get away from housemates, a confining space,...

Inspiration/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

November 26, 2015

5 Great Reasons for Writers to Be Thankful in 2015

Yes, I’m going to be predictable and talk about being thankful on Thanksgiving. As a writer in 2015, however, there is plenty to be thankful for. Be glad I’m only going to talk about my top 5. 5 . Novel Writing Classes Let’s face it. Fiction as we know it is only around a hundred years old (and that’s pushing...

General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

November 25, 2015

Ocean’s Eleven & Learning from Other People’s Mistakes

A lot of improving our writing is learning from our own mistakes. But why stop there? Let’s learn from other people’s mistakes. If you want to try this, some of the most revealing pieces to examine are works in progress or works that were re-released. Other than movies of Broadway musicals where the change is apparent over time (such as Rodgers...

Characterization, Plot, & Setting/General Thoughts & Updates/Research & Worldbuilding/Theatre & Film Comments: 0

November 24, 2015

A.K.A. How You Learn To Write

It is how you learn to write – or do anything else for that matter. Humans learn by making mistakes. Or by watching other people make mistakes. There’s no two ways around it.

Creative Process/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

November 23, 2015

Suffering Aside, Write

I don’t know when it started, but there is this idea in the arts that you can’t be a truly good or legitimate writer/painter/musician/whatever unless you’ve suffered in your life (“suffered for your art”). The idea is that you have to experience life first-hand before you can express it in a powerful or true way. Eh. Like most generalizations, this...

General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 2

November 22, 2015

Got To Start Somewhere

Creative Process/Inspiration/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

November 21, 2015

Why Would I Want to Write in a Circle?

I was a bit shocked to realize that although I’ve been writing this blog for about 5 months, I have yet to talk about writing circles (oops – sorry!). What reminded me was yesterday’s mention of what you’re best/worst at. In essence, that’s what a writing circle is designed to tell you. It’s a peer review, plain and simple: writers meet...

Creative Process/Grammar & Editing Comment: 1

Monthly Archive: November, 2015