Category: General Thoughts & Updates

Keeping “Constructive” in Criticism

Giving feedback or criticism is one thing. Making it constructive is entirely another (and those of you who’ve sat through horrible crits know exactly what I mean). Too many people think that criticism is either tearing someone down or being completely positive (to avoid hurting any feelings). Unfortunately, neither version is particularly good for revisions or mental health. If the crit is negative but not...

Have You Ever Painted Yourself into a Corner?

Or mopped, for that matter. You know, where you don’t think ahead, and by the time you reach the final corner of the room there’s nowhere for you to stand? Let alone get out of that corner without ruining everything you did? Surprisingly (or not), this is a great metaphor for writing: don’t write yourself into a corner. To give...

Is There a Written Equivalent to a Will Ferrell-Style Movie?

Speaking of humiliating moments, the comedy genre of movies and television seems to have more than its share. Sitcoms always had some, and occasionally romantic comedies do little except go from embarrassing moment to embarrassing moment. But there’s a type of comedy that goes beyond that. I haven’t been able to find a specific name for the type, so the best I can do is say...

Legendary Heroes: A Fantasy of Poetry & Song

Centuries before books, movies, and electric lighting, people had far fewer options for entertainment in the evening. One major source of entertainment was telling each other stories, stories about exciting adventures and heroes. 9 times out of 10, those stories were told in poetry or song. That’s something we’ve lost. It’s not altogether our fault – it happened before we were...