Creative Process – Page 2

May 18, 2017

The 5 Worst Excuses for Not Writing

You heard me. The 5 worst excuses for not writing. And if you know my opinion of writer’s block, you may be wondering what qualifies as “worst.” (They’re all bad, right?) Well, let’s just say these are the laziest and most self-defeating that I can think of (right now). 5 Lame Excuses for Not Writing (You heard me.) 1. It’s Sunny. Writing...

Creative Process/Humor & Wordplay/Inspiration Comments: 0

January 1, 2017

3 New Year’s Resolutions That Aren’t Going to Be Easy

All other 2016 disappointments aside (and I’m sure you can think of a few), it wasn’t the best year for me in a writing sense. In 2015, I got a lot more writing done, and I was better about meeting my deadlines. Granted, they were self-imposed deadlines, but without that level of discipline, forward progress is halting or, at best,...

Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comment: 1

December 1, 2016

True Alchemists Do Not Change Lead into Gold Unless They’re Using Old Pencils

I want to be a true alchemist when I grow up. Not that I’ll ever grow up, but there’s something inspiring about thinking of writing as alchemy (especially if you like FullMetal Alchemist). Not only because of the transformation aspect – although having the scientific knowledge and/or mystical ability to change lead into gold is appealing, especially applied to writing....

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

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....

Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

August 3, 2016

Sometimes, Poems Just Happen

There are times when you spend hours, days, or more working on a poem. A poem that you tweak and re-write and struggle with. Then, there are the other times – when poems just happen. When it’s like you’re walking through a field, trip on something, and unbury it only to find that it’s something wonderful and new. And somehow it didn’t...

Creative Process/Poetry Comments: 0

March 27, 2016

Ideas Are Like Easter Eggs

Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates/Inspiration/Quotes, Words, & Phrases 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 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...