Spring Cleaning a Writer’s Way
Spring is well under way. There’s something about the change of season that inspires the need to start afresh and get life back in order. Maybe that comes with digging up an old flowerbed and planting an herb garden, or cleaning out the garage to have that rummage sale you’ve been thinking about. Or maybe […]
Are Low Paying Writing Jobs Worth It?
A writing job comes your way. The topic is something you like to write about, and the word count isn’t too bad. But there’s a lot of research involved, and the pay is lower than you’d like. Should you take it? Here are a few reasons why a low paying job may be beneficial.
A Phrase That Helps Us Revise
YES AND, A Game When I worked as a drama coach, we played a game called, “Yes and.” We’d stand in a large circle, and I’d give the students a story prompt, such as “An elephant danced in the rain.” The students would then go around the circle and add to the story in 3 […]
The Need for Conflict!
Are you a beginning writer or have you been working on your craft for a bit? Are you trying to develop a story, but it seems to be falling flat and you can’t figure out why? Maybe you need conflict. Here’s why.
Working With Deadlines
It’s finally happened! You landed the writing assignment you’ve been waiting for. Now the stress is on. Not only do you want to produce a piece that is amazing and memorable (to be a good steward of the talent God has blessed you with and in case there is other work with this client in […]
A Seasonal Sensory Exercise
Summer is gone. Fall is in full swing. Winter will soon be on our doorsteps. So now is the perfect time to practice some seasonal sensory exercises to stir your writing imagination.
8 Questions to Ask Yourself When Brainstorming Your Synopsis by Ann Harrison
Writing a synopsis is hard. Don’t let anyone kid you. I struggle with this task, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. I’ve found that I can brainstorm my synopsis in the same way I brainstorm or revise my books, or do developmental edits for my publishers. Here are eight questions I used to brainstorm […]
Moving Forward Boldly
Last time I wrote about writing a plot summary within a short period of time for a potential fiction story opportunity. The good news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! The bad news is, the publisher accepted my pitch! Of course, this isn’t really bad news. It’s great news! But, the reality has set in […]
No Time to Waste
Recently, I was asked if I wanted to pitch a plot summary to a publisher for a potential fiction story for hi/lo readers. I had already written a short nonfiction book for them, but I wanted the chance to work on a fiction book, so I said I would be interested. The problem? I only […]
Change of Scenery
We’ve had some unusual weather here in Southern California. We’ve had days of rain. And not just rain, continuous rain. That was what was the most unusual. I had some writing deadlines, but being cooped up at home wasn’t helping me whatsoever. I needed a different environment where I had no distractions and where I […]