12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Twelve For Your Writer Friend

There’s so much you can give to a writer friend that shows you were thinking of them, and that you support their endeavors. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of seeing that special trinket and including a note that says, “Thought of you.” Here are some to give you just a few ideas of what might end up on a writer’s shelf. The cost can be anything from $2.99 to $40.00. You can find a lot of fun things in that range. Here are a few. Trinkets: Don’t Forget To Enter My Contest! One person will win a $100 USD Amazon Gift Card to replenish their wallet after the holidays! Subscribe to my mailing list here, and follow me on Twitter….Read More

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Eleven For Your Writer Friend

It’s too late to order online, but go to any brick and mortar bookstore and you will find an entire section on Writing! You can’t go wrong. Include a gift receipt just in case they have that one already. Books About Writing: What they are: Books that will give you real detail or a master class to advance your writing. There are also books on contracts and editors/agents, but those have a shorter shelf life than something on craft. Why they’re great: Similar to magazines, there is information and inspiration, but books will generally have deep knowledge you can refer to over and over again. I often pull out a book from my shelf when I think I’m missing something, can’t…Read More

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Nine For Your Writer Friend

Let’s say your writer friend already has a happy mug. Or maybe you found the perfect one for them, but you want to get something else. The perfect desk accessory to go with a mug… The Desk Mug Warmer: What they are: A small warmer that you plug in, with a heating element just big enough to set your mug or teacup on. It keeps the drink warm longer. Why they’re great: It keeps your drink warm longer! How often do you take a couple sips, then get into a scene and before you know it, your drink is cold? No need to worry about that if you have a mug warmer. The other reason why it’s great – it…Read More

12 Days of Pre-Christmas: Gift Three For Your Writer Friend

Yesterday I recommended journals, so to really enjoy the luxury and special time you have to write in a journal, today I’m recommending writing instruments – in particular – pens! A nice pen, that moves smoothly across the paper, and has enough weight and size, can feel really amazing in your hand. Think about the moment when the writer autographs a book. All writers need a special pen for that! Maybe someday there will only be digital autographs, but we’re not there yet. Consider a nice pen or pen set for your literary genius. The Pen What it is: Um, okay. A pen is basically an instrument for writing with ink. Usually there is a metal nib or ball, or a nylon tip,…Read More

So You Want to Write a Book? I am often approached by people, who after discovering I write books, tell me they’ve been wanting to write a book too. Sound familiar? With the advent of self-publishing, it seems like everyone wants to write a book about as much as everyone wants to write a screenplay. “I started writing a book.” First, there are those, who think there’s big money in writing a book, and think it will be easy to get it published and that it would make a great movie. They’ve started something ages ago. When you ask how far along they are on their book, they might hem and haw a bit, and say only chapter one, or page five….Read More

Hearing voices

If you talk to an author, they will quite often chatter on about how writing is mostly listening – usually to the voices of characters in their head. It can sound a little on the crazy side, but if you choose to engage in a life of solitude at your desk, it can be really nice company. Don’t judge. Writers who hear voices are truly the lucky ones, because they can always sit down and get to work. The voices don’t really stop. But it does help to direct them in a productive manner via your imagination and say, “this is where we are right now”, then let them at it. Finding your voice Hearing voices, is not necessarily the same as finding your…Read More

You Know You’re A Writer When by Adair Lara The following ten gems are from Adair Lara’s little book that sits on my shelf closest to my desk. Occasionally when I’m feeling out of sorts, a little weird, or have been caught talking to myself a little too much – I whip out this treasure, and remember that I’m not alone. Here are just ten of my favorites. There are so many more. If you’re not sure yet, if you’re a writer, you might pick up a copy. It also makes a great gift a writerly friend. You think of eavesdropping as research. You get a book idea while washing the dishes. Sometimes you think in an English accent. As…Read More

The difference between a character's need and a character's goal.

Other writers and teachers may differ, but this how I explain it. A need is an internal, emotional driving force for a character, inherent to who they are. A goal is a short term, outward objective that drives the action, and in best of stories, is linked tightly to the character’s inner need. A character “need” is something that is part of who the character is in life – the thing that defines their purpose. Even when I study my family and friends, I can see how all their decisions are driven by that need, and through that filter. It’s not necessarily the only filter, but as an individual, there is usually a very strong one for each of us. In my last…Read More

5 Tips to Write a More Compelling and Memorable Character Are you wondering why your character is not quite standing on her own or driving the plot forward? Have a look at these quick writing tips to see if you can revitalize a weak character and give him or her something worth fighting for! Give them a human need that they require above all things to be happy in life. This might be something like having a purpose or being completely free to do as they want. Perhaps it’s acceptance, belonging, or knowing they are respected or honored. Sometimes it is to protect, or serve justice, or know the truth. Rarely is someone’s ultimate need to be loved. But it might…Read More