The past couple of years, I’ve noticed a trend -- in myself. I’ve been wanting to stay home and not deal with going out. [Even BEFORE Covid]
But wait, I thought I was an extrovert.

My entire identity has fallen into crisis!

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Sometimes, when you’re stuck at some writing stage for too long, it can be hard to remember why you started this thing in the first place. So, here are the 10 things I love most about being a writer.

Exploring new worlds!

Meeting new characters!

Finding out what happens and why!

When you get that turn of phrase. Just. Right

Getting to read other writers' works early

Helping my friends fine-tune their writing

The terrifyig hope that ...

When writing, we all strive to bring our scenes to life, but it’s easy to forget a component. Scenes need action, setting, sensory descriptions, and emotional impact.

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I almost entitled this “Beta-Reading: For Fun and Profit” but… I don’t usually profit. At least not monetarily. Anyhow, here's my technique for beta-reading that seems to keep my writing friends coming back for more.

I can't skip line edits (easily)

I'll tell you when my eyes glaze over

I'll point out inconsitencies

I'll say when you break my suspension of disbelief

I'll applaud well-phrased sentences

6. I'...

If you’re a writer, at some point between you putting the words down and it going out to its intended audience, you’re probably going to solicit some feedback (and if you don’t, you probably should). But, once you get this feedback -- how should you use it?

Read the feedback (and apply Morgan's Rule Of Thirds)

Give yourself time to cool off

Analyse the feedback/fix the little things as you go

Make the edits

Reread and blend the ne...

There’s a writing skill that many novelists struggle with. It’s something that read-a-chapter-a-month critique groups often miss: Pacing.

We all know that you need to start off with an inciting incident — at least by the end of the first chapter. But after there, it can get a bit fuzzy.

Techniques to try:
1 - Beat Sheets
2 - Varying sentence structure

3 - Shuffling scenes

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There is a difference between an antagonist and a villain. Your story doesn’t need a villain. However, if you’re going to have one, you should have a memorable one

Avoid Under-developed villains

If you must use a cliche, add a twist

Make sure your villain isn't underpowered

Villains have flaws

Villains don't have to be evil

The villain doesn't have to be there in person

7. The villain can be representational

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Picking a POV can be tricky. The three main things you need to consider are:

What are you most comfortable with?

What are the genre expectations? and

3. What feels right for the story.\?

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I'm a Blogger | Vlogg...

I'll be back next week with more writing tips and writerly musings. Plus, a little more.

Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and subscribe!

And I've got a pretty bad social media addiction...

I'm a Blogger | Vlogger/Youtuber

Of course, I'm on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | Reddi...

I never thought it would happen to me. I was arrogant and short-sighted.
I thought writer’s block was censoring out bad writing (you know, like rough drafts), an inability to apply butt-to-seat, or thinking you’re going in the wrong direction but not knowing the right one.
I didn’t think the blank page could scare me until I decided it was time for me to try something new.
Now? I understand.

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No matter if your fantasy world is a shifted version of our reality or something totally alien, no matter if you're a planner or a pantser, these tips should work for you.

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Different agents and editors want different things. Take these answers with a grain of salt, because, as we all know, if you do it well enough, they'll throw their own guidelines out.

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With all the risks, why would I want a literary agent?

Well, at Balticon 52, I got to hear a variety of perspectives from published authors who’ve had every sort of agent possible. Here are the stories of Leah Cypess, Keith RA DeCandido, CS Friedman, Tee Morris, and their hunt for a quality agent.

Note: this was originally recorded in 2018, but the questions are perenial.

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I don't know about you, but these are all things I always want to know:

What is Your Biggest Pet Peeve?

Should A Writer Use Different Names For Different Genres?

How Has The Market Changed In The Last Ten Years? and

Where Do Querying Writers Lose You?

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If you get the opportunity to read your own work, here are some tips on how to get ready.

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Last week, I talked about giving characters agency, but that’s not all editors and agents request. Another thing they ask for is ‘tension’. If the reader doesn’t have a reason to care what happens next, you’ve lost your tension.

But! Tension doesn't always have to mean conflict!

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One thing you hear about a lot when you start sending your manuscript out into the world is ‘agency’. Most agents (and publishers) are looking for characters who make things happen, not ones who merely react to the situation they’re stuck with.

It's okay to start off with a character with minimal agency, but most readers want to see the characters come into their own.

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Talking about where to find literary agents, ways to vet them, and a not-so-gentle reminder to Follow The Directions when querying them.

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A shout out to all the teachers who helped me become the person I am today.

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Thanks for listening! I'll be back next Monday with more rambling ideas about writing.

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