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)”
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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”
I’m thankful I’m a writer because…
Finding an encouraging and talented writers’ group is a must for authors. At each of our meetings, in addition to sharing and critiquing each other’s recent writing, our group’s facilitator provides a writing prompt. Attendees then have 10 minutes to craft a short story. This week’s prompt: I’m thankful I’m a writer because… Tuesday isContinue reading “I’m thankful I’m a writer because…”
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”
Writing Funny: Rewrite your Joke
I’m nearly done with my comic thriller, The Worst Thing About Sam, I wanted to re-post some of these “Writing Funny” tips I pulled together along the way: Your clever line may be hilarious–but if you tweak it (or twerk it, depending on your audience), it could be funnier. First, and always, consider your audience.Continue reading “Writing Funny: Rewrite your Joke”
Writing Funny: It’s all about the…
… timing. Got a few more of these “Writing Funny” tips that stood out: Truly, I think this this is what makes writing funny more difficult than performing funny. In a performance, you can hold for a split-second to be sure the audience is following before hitting them with the punchline. Then, you can stop,Continue reading “Writing Funny: It’s all about the…”
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: Horror Stories are Easy
I’m nearly done with my comic thriller, The Worst Thing About Sam, so I wanted to re-post some of these “Writing Funny” tips I pulled together along the way: Sad and scary things are universal. Evolution and Emotion have teamed up to make the dark-and-unknown scary and death-and-dying sad. Things that make us laugh isContinue reading “Writing Funny: Horror Stories are Easy”
Writing Funny: Surprise People
I’m nearly done with my comic thriller, The Worst Thing About Sam, so I wanted to re-post some of these “Writing Funny” tips I pulled together along the way: 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 orContinue reading “Writing Funny: Surprise People”