Monthly Archive: August, 2016

August 31, 2016

10 Ways to Complicate a Plot with Technology

Whether the advanced technology in your story is a longbow, a microwave, or a nanobot, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of it. Plot complications are just the beginning (but we have to start somewhere). Here are some examples to look at when you’re trying to come up with ideas. 10 Ways to Use Technology to Complicate a Plot...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting Comment: 1

August 23, 2016

5 Major Problems for Writers (or Any Artist)

Writers have a lot of problems (let’s face it). These are the most common – so common that they’re stumbling blocks for artists of any kind. Musicians, painters, sculptors, jewelry-makers, etc.. I have seen all of them struggle with these issues (Heck, I’ve fought them personally in different art forms!). That’s why I consider these 5 major problems for writers. 5 Major Problems for Writers:  1....

Categories Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

August 18, 2016

A Library-Inspired Writing Prompt

What’s so inspiring about a public library? I mean, besides all of the fabulous books, movies, and other awesome stuff available for free (That’s too obvious!). Well, public libraries also have a certain ambience. Namely, you have to be quiet and not disturb other library-goers. Picture a stern-looking lady with a bun and glasses shushing people. That’s the atmosphere, and that’s what we’ll be...

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Writing Prompts Comments: 2

August 17, 2016

Does Using Good Grammar Screw Up Your SEO?

It’s the kind of question that haunts you at night: “Does using good grammar up your SEO?” (I’m hearing it now in a kind of Jacob Marley-esque of voice.) I want to say, “I certainly hope not.” Knowing how most people write, however, I have to say more honestly that there’s a pretty good chance the answer is, “Yes.” Although,...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

August 13, 2016

Grammar Humor to Brighten Your Weekend

Want to brighten your weekend? How about some grammar humor?  1. Are We There Yet? They get capitalization and punctuation leniency since it’s a pun (because puns naturally break a lot of those rules). Still, I’d be more tempted to buy the t-shirt from etsy if the capitalization were better…  2. Learn to Cut and Paste Kids See! See! Direct address matters! Using...

Categories Grammar & Editing/Humor & Wordplay Comments: 0

August 12, 2016

Virginia Woolf Quote: Money and a Room of Her Own

Life has changed a great deal since Virginia Woolf said that to write fiction, a woman needs “money and a room of her own.” Today, people write all over the place: the couch, the airport, on airplanes, in coffee shops, at restaurants, and more. Modern technology really helps to get around the room of her own part of the quote....

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

August 11, 2016

What Makes Someone Act out of Character?

A writer knowing what makes someone act out of character is like a race car driver knowing how changes to the engine feel. Yes, if an amateur drives the car, it can still move pretty fast. With a professional driver paying attention to the nuances of the engine, on the other hand, it’s possible to predict its reactions and improve its performance. All...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting Comments: 0

August 8, 2016

Winnie the Pooh Didn’t Say That! (That’s Why It’s Funny!)

Here’s a little humor for your Monday. Remember how the art of the unexpected is about setting you up for one outcome and then giving you another? Well, with parody, you automatically have an expected outcome… And no, of course, Winnie the Pooh didn’t say that (He wasn’t in Queen!). But can you imagine it in his voice? Hilarious!

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

August 7, 2016

An Artist Who Turns Puns into Paintings – with Sheep!

I’ve heard my share of puns (ok, possibly more than my share), but how often do you get to see puns? Today, I ran across an artist who turns puns into paintings – with sheep, no less. Some examples include Ewetube (a sheep sticking out of either end of a long mailbox), Harry Potter (a sheep working on a pottery...

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

August 6, 2016

Scene Dissection: A Writing Prompt for Improving Complexity

The people-watching writing prompt is a good starting point for any exercise, and if you want to improve complexity in your writing, all you need to do is add a little scene dissection. Improving Complexity with Scene Dissection Now, in film, scene dissection is the way a single scene may be broken down into multiple camera shots from different angles....

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Plotting Exercises/Writing Prompts Comments: 0