From the category archives:

Writing

First-person vs Third-person point of view

September 22, 2009

In working on my novel, I’ve discovered one of the less talked-about differences between screenwriting and novel writing: point of view.
I never realized what a luxury it was to be able to write without having to worry about which character’s point of view should be used for a particular scene. In screenwriting, the point of [...]

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To outline or not to outline

September 1, 2009

There is a lot of debate in Authorland about outlining. Some writers prefer to outline a plot before tackling the process of writing a novel. Other writers prefer “pantsing” -- writing by the seat of the pants, with no map to point the way.
Is one method better than the other? Does one alternative lead to [...]

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Neil Gaiman’s advice for aspiring writers

August 13, 2009
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Show, Don’t Tell

June 3, 2009

Whether you are new to writing or have been around the block a few times, you've probably heard the writers' mantra: "Show, don't tell." Unfortunately, most how-to books don't do a very good job of explaining exactly how to go about showing rather than telling.
Holly Lisle recently created a terrific little video demonstrating the [...]

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Having the discipline to write every day

May 20, 2009

Every writer has her own style and approaches writing differently. Some write in an office while others write at the corner coffee shop. Some have time to write non-stop for hours each day, while others can squeeze in only an hour here and there. Some have a strict routine while others take up their pen [...]

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How to Create Realistic Characters With Depth

May 5, 2009

Clustering is a simple brainstorming method you can use in a variety of ways. Its biggest benefit is that it helps you push past your analytical mind and reach into your subconscious mind for ideas that resonate on a deeper level. A single clustering session can produce dozens of great ideas.
In The New Diary, where [...]

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Six Techniques to Help Writers Overcome Procrastination

April 2, 2009

I've come to the conclusion I truly deserve to be crowned Queen of Procrastination. Procrastination is a big kingdom — especially with so many writers taking up residence there so often — so Queen of Procrastination is a title one would expect me to be proud of, yet somehow I don't feel quite as proud [...]

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Flawed Characters and Why We Love Them

March 23, 2009

I have an addiction. I've tried to overcome it, but my efforts have been met with an amazing level of resistance. My body fights me. My mind fights me. I often wonder if I'll be addicted to this stuff forever. So many times I've tried and failed to quit, by this point it is hardly [...]

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The Unnecessary “That”

March 10, 2009

While working as a freelance script consultant, it was my job to help writers raise the quality of their writing to the highest level attainable. In the course of any given day, I came across a problem appearing in each of the scripts crossing my desk, and I have since noticed the same problem cropping [...]

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