Monthly Archive: November, 2017

November 30, 2017

Fun Gifts for English Lovers: Check out my Zazzle Store!

Yes, you read that right – I now have a Zazzle Store, and it is open for business! In fact, I have two. 😉 If you’re looking for fun gifts for English lovers, now’s your chance! Check out Words to Write By for products related to author quotes and writing, and if you like rebus puzzles and fun Christmas cards,...

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

November 28, 2017

Brandon Sanderson Unholy Hours of the Morning Quote

Honestly, I have paid many authors this compliment. More than I should have, actually. And I have to say that the “unholy hours of the morning” part of this Brandon Sanderson quote is painfully accurate. At a certain time of night, the body begins to punish you for still being awake (But… I must… finish…). As for the rest of...

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 2

November 23, 2017

A Writing Prompt for Villains (and Thanksgiving)

You know that moment when you’re writing something and what you’re writing gives you an idea for something else to write? Well, while writing last year’s “Happy Thanksgiving Writing Prompt,” I couldn’t help but think about how it could be turned into a writing prompt for villains (and Thanksgiving). Seem wrong? Of course it is! It’s villainous! How to Make...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Holiday & Seasonal/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

November 21, 2017

5 Dangers of Holidays and Vacations

When you see something about the dangers of holidays and vacations, the first thought is probably along the lines of safety when traveling and shopping fraud, not writing problems. You know me, though, I’m talking about the dangers to your writing habits, not your health or finances. Holidays and Vacations: The Succubi of a Writer’s Schedule If you’ve ever manage...

Categories Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

November 16, 2017

Different Types of Disney Movie Insults

Looking for some kid-friendly insults for your YA or children’s book? Watch some Disney movies. Seriously, while we don’t think of kids movies as being full of insults, when you pay attention, you realize that there are a lot. Enough, in fact, that I can break them down into different types of Disney movie insults. How Disney Characters Insult Each...

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

November 14, 2017

The English Building Block Most Kids Are Missing

When you’re trying to teach kids higher English skills, it can be really frustrating when they are fundamental skills they simply don’t have. In my experience, the English building block most kids are missing is an understanding of clauses. The Clause: English Building Block & Gamechanger Defining Characteristics of Clauses Since this is a blog for writers, I’m assuming that...

Categories Grammar & Editing Comments: 2

November 9, 2017

How Are Soldiers and Veterans Treated in Your Story?

If your story includes a war or other military conflict, then, there is one question that absolutely needs answered when you worldbuild: how are soldiers and veterans treated in your story? Society’s Attitude Towards Soldiers and Veterans With Veteran’s Day coming up quickly, I’ve found myself thinking about different examples of how soldiers and veterans are treated in books and...

Categories Research & Worldbuilding Comments: 0

November 7, 2017

Characteristics of Curse Words

Curse words are useful tools for characterization and worldbuilding. Rather than picking or making up curse words at random, however, I find it useful to consider the characteristics of curse words first. What Curse Words Have in Common There are two basic types of curse words: the funny ones that are more socially acceptable and the ones that are more...

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

November 2, 2017

Should I Review Bad Movies or Books?

It’s an honest question: should I review bad movies or books? I don’t have an answer. Really, I have a couple of stumbling blocks related to, but they don’t seem to bother anyone else. So how about I tell you why I hesitate, and you tell me if you think I should or not – fair deal? Why I’m Not...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comment: 1