Writing Resources -Brandon Sanderson

When I meet other aspiring authors, I often get asked questions about improving one’s writing. I can share a little bit, but like anything in life, we’re always learning and growing. So, I’m always reading or listening to resources on writing. Perhaps one of the best resources, especially for new authors, is Brandon Sanderson’s lectureContinue reading “Writing Resources -Brandon Sanderson”

This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction

Consider a recent book you’ve read. Did it feel like a mix of genres? Perhaps there was a romance story mixed in with an adventure. Or maybe a sci-fi with a touch of western (think Firefly). Genre blending or genre mixing is a term used a lot with fiction. It’s pretty common to see blurbsContinue reading “This Meet That: Genre Blending in Modern Fiction”

Naming Characters: Building Worlds with Meaningful Names

It seems like an obvious enough title. And it’s true, each character in a book does have a name that connects them to something. In a previous post, I spoke about how I like to choose names for characters. One of biggest things I do is pick a name that has a meaning that matchesContinue reading “Naming Characters: Building Worlds with Meaningful Names”

The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character

About two decades ago I attended a writing class where the teacher said the main character needs to be larger than life but also relatable. Since then, I’ve read numerous books on writing and they all say something similar. Main characters are the center of the narrative because essentially, the story wouldn’t happen without them.Continue reading “The Human Approach: Connecting the Reader with the Main Character”