What are the satisfying moments of publishing? A lot of people ask me if there is a sense of accomplishment in seeing my work in print. I suppose so. Though there are a lot of moments that give me and other authors that sense of ‘well-done’ or ‘good job’. For me, these feelings come whenContinue reading “Embracing the Joys of Publishing: An Author’s Perspective”
Category Archives: Writing Tools
1 Novel 30 Days!
If you’ve been a part of the writing world, you’ve probably heard of NaNoWriMo. It’s been around since July 1999. Unfortunately, earlier this year, the organization shut down. So now there are a few new pop-ups in the writing world. Pro Writing Aid is hosting a Novel November and Reedsy is calling theirs a WritingContinue reading “1 Novel 30 Days!”
Why Every Writer Should Read Save the Cat
As with any profession, professional development is ongoing. For writing, this means continually learning about how to write and exploring existing works in my chosen genre. Since I write fantasy, I read a lot of fantasy. As for improving my writing craft… the supply is endless, but there are a few gems I’ve gleaned fromContinue reading “Why Every Writer Should Read Save the Cat”
The Discipline of Writing
I’ve always been a writer. From my earliest memories, the written word has fascinated me. Like most people, I easily default to the excuse of, ‘life is busy’ when struggling with finding time to write. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous suggestions that have worked for other authors. I have to be honest, none ofContinue reading “The Discipline of Writing”
The Pendulum of Writing
People always tell me I’m good with words. Maybe I am. I don’t know. When I compare myself to other writers, I always admire what they do. And perhaps there are those who compare themselves to me. The comparison game should never be played, at least if we care about our mental health and well-being.Continue reading “The Pendulum of Writing”
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”
Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness
Imitation is the highest form of flattery. -Oscar Wild Do you agree or disagree? This quote is often used to justify copying. Perhaps someone says it as a form of comfort. Or perhaps it is said it to explain motives. It’s a popular expression and to a certain extent very true. When studying drama inContinue reading “Fairy Tale Retellings: Preserving Tradition While Adding Uniqueness”
K. M. Wray 