Writers need creativity, comradery . . . and lots of time to write independently. A writers’ group gives you good company, fresh eyes, and a little encouragement when the words just won’t come. Finding your group will help you sharpen your craft, share a few laughs, and discover that sometimes the best stories grow fromContinue reading “Find Your Writing Group(s)”
Tag Archives: #Minnesota
Welcome to Opine…a few opinions.
Welcome to Opine is a dystopian science fiction novel that allows humanity a nine-billion-year do-over–and it goes exactly like you’d expect. Despite the gained knowledge and medical expertise, the new-and-improved Homo sapiens can’t create a perfect society–but it ain’t for lack of trying. They’ve genetically engineered away selfishness—and, as an inconvenient side effect, the sexContinue reading “Welcome to Opine…a few opinions.”
Your Novel’s Soundtrack
Writing involves reading, and researching, and, in this case, listening to some fantastic Chicago Blues. Often while working on the The Worst Thing About Sam, I listened to Chicago Blues music. A few of the Blues artists that I’ve grown to love while writing this book follow: Some of the songs fit scenes in theContinue reading “Your Novel’s Soundtrack”
Good Descriptions and Figurative Language (Peter and the Star Catchers)
I’m a sucker for descriptions that help me smell, taste, feel, or otherwise visualize a location. William Kent Kreuger does it better than anyone in his novel This Tender Land, and I tried to capture some of that in my own novel Suddenly Rural Girl. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson do it well throughout theirContinue reading “Good Descriptions and Figurative Language (Peter and the Star Catchers)”
A Touch of Humor. (Peter and the Star Catchers)
Let’s take a look at a few more passages from Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson in their Peter and the Star Catchers series. These are a few that made me chuckle. The Pearson/Barry combination expertly sneaks humor into passages throughout the novels. I’ll post a few of my favorite quotes from the book here andContinue reading “A Touch of Humor. (Peter and the Star Catchers)”
Physicality in Peter and the Star Catchers
Peter and the Star Catchers, and the subsequent novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson are treats, especially for those who fell in love with the story of Peter Pan years ago. It’s the first of their prequel novels, and the Pearson/Barry combination expertly weaves all of the magic and playfulness into a story thatContinue reading “Physicality in Peter and the Star Catchers”
The Scent of a Good Story (Peter and the Star Catchers)
Peter and the Star Catchers, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson is a treat, especially for those who fell in love with the story of Peter Pan years ago. It’s the first of their prequal novels, and the Pearson/Barry combination expertly weave all of the magic and playfulness into a story that explains the magicContinue reading “The Scent of a Good Story (Peter and the Star Catchers)”
Writing Funny: Startled into laughter.
You’ve probably stood behind a corner, smiling, waiting to jump out and scare the daylights out of your wife, friend, or maybe your dog. That anticipation, the quiet-laugh-while-you-wait for something to happen is one of the “causes of laughter.” It’s because you anticipate the shock they’ll experience (knowing it won’t REALLY hurt them). Shock canContinue reading “Writing Funny: Startled into laughter.”
Writing Funny: Traits of Comedic Characters
Stereotypes are real. We’ve all carry them. If we’re wise or well-disciplined, we don’t take action on them–moving from stereotyping to discriminating. Stereotypes are often ignorant and unfair, but they can be funny. Playing off them–or creating them–effectively can help you get some laughs. You’ve seen it a thousand times: “Dumb Blonde” jokes, “What doContinue reading “Writing Funny: Traits of Comedic Characters”
Writing Funny: Comfort & Affliction
No one wants to see the innocent child beaten down, but most of us do like too see the tables turned on the bully, so he or finally gets his or her comeuppance. The general population also has some common, shared, arch-enemies: violent criminals, corrupt government officials, the dictator, “boss,” and more; they’ve become tooContinue reading “Writing Funny: Comfort & Affliction”
Writing Funny: Surprise People
Twists and Reversals are great ways to get laughs–and to scare the daylights out of folks. For the grin, let the underdog overcome the Goliath or make the cute and cuddly pull off the caper. Even a sudden scare can often lead to a laugh, especially if the audience knows it hasn’t truly harmed theirContinue reading “Writing Funny: Surprise People”
Writing Funny: Humor in Any Situation
Years ago, I taught an acting and film unit called “The Seven Causes of Laughter” and it covered things like Exaggeration, Incongruity, Protection Factor, Relief of Pressure, and more. Relief of Pressure is an important concept when trying to find humor in difficult situations. When tension builds or emotions are already high, a well-timed quipContinue reading “Writing Funny: Humor in Any Situation”