March 2016 – Page 2 – Words & Deeds

March 21, 2016

Brave New Voices Competitors Shout the Power of Poetry

I don’t know about you, but I think the fact that some young people are embracing poetry as a means of expression is awesome. The Brave New Voices Festival encourages teenagers to get involved in poetry and gives them a place to share their works, and these three girls used that podium to make a big statement. The continuing recognition and...

Poetry/Videos Comments: 0

March 20, 2016

What Is a Poetry Slam Anyway?

The words “poetry slam” make me think of a strange combination of two things: people wearing black who snap their fingers instead of applauding and Gallagher (maybe, the hulk). Which is absolutely ridiculous because that’s not what it means at all (though I guess the first thought could be related – there might be some black clothing). No, a poetry slam...

Poetry Comments: 0

March 19, 2016

Read, Read, & Read Some More!

Some days, all I want to do is read. I don’t only read, obviously, or I’d never get anything done. But reading some is good. I’d even go so far as to call it necessary.

General Thoughts & Updates/Inspiration Comment: 1

March 18, 2016

Fairy Folklore as Inspiration for Writing

From what I’ve seen, every culture has folklore involving fairies or other spirits, and they make great inspiration for all genres. Although serious usage may require more research than a St. Patrick’s Day writing prompt. Whether you need fresh ideas for types of magic (worldbuilding), ways to frighten people, or even human behavior, fairy stories have a lot to offer – as...

Creative Process/Inspiration/Research & Worldbuilding Comment: 1

March 17, 2016

An Irish-inspired Writing Prompt for St. Patrick’s Day

No, it’s not about green beer or skipping work to do shots. Although I guess that could end up part of it. This writing prompt for St. Patrick’s day is inspired by combining old celtic lore with the modern day holiday. A St. Patrick’s Day Writing Prompt Pick a Faerie & Modify It Pick a type of fae and change...

Holiday & Seasonal/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

March 16, 2016

10 Tips to Improve Motivation, Especially for Writers

Everyone struggles with motivation from time to time, and unfortunately, the reason can vary dramatically from person to person and moment to moment. Some days you may be tired or stressed. Other days, you may not even know why you’re not in the mood to work. Well, I can’t promise a cure-all, but here are 10 tips to try to...

Creative Process Comments: 0

March 15, 2016

Common Constructive Criticism Techniques

Speaking of criticism, even when you know how to make it constructive, it’s easy to get caught up and go too far in one direction or the other. But if you focus on the purpose of the feedback – to help the author improve the story – then, it’s easier to stay on track. Taking writing classes can help with that. In...

Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

March 14, 2016

Even Authors Pick Apart People’s Plots: Terry Pratchett & Dr. Who

For all that we’re liable to be on the receiving end, writers aren’t always the nicest about pointing out other people’s plot holes. In reality, writers can be really harsh critics (kind of like how teachers are generally awful students, and doctors make bad patients). Since writers know more about writing (we assume), they can find more flaws. Of course,...

General Thoughts & Updates/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

March 13, 2016

People Pick Apart Plots (Say That 5 Time Fast)

Have you ever noticed how easy it can be to pick apart someone else’s plot? You watch a movie or read a book, and there it is. A big gaping plot hole that makes you laugh in a how-did-you-miss-that kind of way. If the movie/book comes up in conversation, you point out the flaw to your friends with gleeful superiority....

Characterization, Plot, & Setting/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

March 12, 2016

Making Children’s Movies Appeal to Adults Part Two: Double Meaning

Sometimes, the lines that make kids movies appealing to adults are not simply allusions like in part one – sometimes, they add meanings that aren’t necessarily kid-friendly. In fact, some of the double meaning, innuendo, and double entendre (to be redundant) that gets thrown in is downright dirty. But don’t worry, it’s not explicit. In fact, the dirty comments in kids movies...

General Thoughts & Updates/Humor & Wordplay/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

Monthly Archive: March, 2016