February 2016 – Words & Deeds

February 29, 2016

The 29th of February: Anomaly & Inspiration

Happy 29th of February! Enjoy it while you can since it won’t be around for another 4 years. The actual day, that is. But leap year or February 29th could be in your book. Leap Year is one of those weird true stories that is so ingrained into our culture that we accept it without really thinking about it. Yes, there...

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

February 27, 2016

Be Careful How Often You Tell Yourself “I Can’t”

General Thoughts & Updates/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 4

February 26, 2016

Traditional Publishing vs. Indie Publishing: How Should I Sell My Book?

Traditional publishing vs. indie publishing is another “why are you asking me?” question. It’s also a question you’re going to have to answer for yourself; however, I can give you some information that may help inform your decision. Answering this question generally comes down to a combination of 4 factors: prestige, control, money, and time/energy (they’re the same factor in this case –...

Business & Publishing/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

February 25, 2016

How Long Will It Take You to Write a Novel?

I don’t know. What’re you asking me for? Seriously though, the answer is “it depends.” It depends on how often you’re writing. It depends on how much you write when you do write. It depends on if/how often you re-write. It even depends on the type of novel (some genres’ books are longer than others). I can’t give you an...

General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

February 24, 2016

The Kind of Budgeting I Like to Encourage

When I’m budgeting, I have to avoid going to bookstores – I have no will power. Only then, I feel guilty about not supporting my local bookstore, and I end up going anyway. Fun fact: If you have filled bookshelves on all the exterior walls of your house, your heating bill will be lower.1 1. At least it should...

Humor & Wordplay Comments: 0

February 23, 2016

Baby Naming Resources for Expectant Authors

Any time someone walks into my office, there’s a 9/10 chance that they’ll take a look at my bookshelf, see a baby naming book, and say, “Something you want to tell me?” (The other 1 out of 10 times, the person walking in isn’t a smart aleck.) Yes, I have a baby naming book on my shelf. Actually, it’s the same...

Writer Resources Comments: 0

February 22, 2016

A Character by Any Other Name Wouldn’t Be an Excuse

It’s amazing what excuses people will come up with when they’re trying to avoid starting a story, but having trouble naming the character shouldn’t be one. A student tried that one on me the other day. He said that he was supposed to write a story that was 2 pages long (the horror!). With a put-upon sigh, he explained how he...

Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 2

February 21, 2016

A Louis L’ Amour-Style Metaphor for Writing

Turn on that faucet. Flood the world with words, submerge it with stories, and immerse it in ideas. It’s ready. It’s full of minds ready to soak up every single drop. Don’t make us wait. Start now.

Inspiration/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

February 20, 2016

Capitalization Is Key – to Hilarity

I saw this post on Words, Words, Words and had to share. What is it about double meaning and grammar that’s so hilarious? Words, words, words after dark. Posted by Words, Words, Words on Friday, February 12, 2016

Grammar & Editing/Humor & Wordplay Comments: 0

February 19, 2016

Double Meaning & Truth(s): How to Lie without Lying

If you need to hide a truth in a truth, double-meaning is your best friend. I know that doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but I promise it actually does. A double meaning (also known as a double entendre) has a pretty accurate name – it’s when a statement or action has multiple meanings (or truths). The only part of...

General Thoughts & Updates/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comment: 1

Monthly Archive: February, 2016