Tag: Author

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...

Categories Creative Process/Inspiration/Research & Worldbuilding Comment: 1

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,...

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

February 23, 2016

Baby Naming Resources for Expectant Authors

Any time someone walks into my office, there’s a 9/10 chance that they’ll take a look at my bookshelf, see a baby naming book, and say, “Something you want to tell me?” (The other 1 out of 10 times, the person walking in isn’t a smart aleck.) Yes, I have a baby naming book on my shelf. Actually, it’s the same...

Categories Writer Resources Comments: 0

February 19, 2016

Double Meaning & Truth(s): How to Lie without Lying

If you need to hide a truth in a truth, double-meaning is your best friend. I know that doesn’t sound like it makes sense, but I promise it actually does. A double meaning (also known as a double entendre) has a pretty accurate name – it’s when a statement or action has multiple meanings (or truths). The only part of...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comment: 1

February 18, 2016

Continuity, Repetition, & Keeping Track

Writing a long piece or series requires either an excellent memory, a precise organization system, or both (and that goes for novels, movies, comics, blogs, etc.). Otherwise, you’re going to have problems with continuity (but his sword hilt was black in the last book) and repetition (haven’t they had this conversation already?). If any of you think that’s a cakewalk,...

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January 28, 2016

Inspiration & Motivation: A Trudi Canavan Quote

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January 16, 2016

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...

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January 8, 2016

The Stuff An Author’s Dreams & Nightmares Are Made Of

The greatest power and the greatest terror of being an artist is the amount of ourselves that we put into our art. As good as our imaginations are, they are powered by our dreams and our nightmares: experiences, hopes, wishes, fears, and more. Our lives. Our souls. We expose little bits of ourselves with each piece we create. Yet at the...

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December 6, 2015

What’s in a Name? (Besides Headaches, Heartaches, & Trouble)

Writing is hard. Writing regularly is harder. Doing both well is harder still. Despite all of that, naming what you’ve written can somehow be even worse. Sure, it’ll depend on the day and the piece, but naming stories, poems, plays, or songs can be a serious headache. There’s so much pressure. The title has to capture the idea of the piece...

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November 13, 2015

A Book Within A Book: A Rant In Two Parts

Sorry, everyone, but I feel the need to rant for a moment. I was re-reading a book the other day (no big surprise there), and I ran into a section that bothers me every time I read the book. The one or two other times I’ve read this one, I’ve skipped over it (including the first time), and normally skipping...

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