Use cross thinking to get you to think differently and allow a story idea to come literally from nowhere. A great idea may hit you during these creative writing exercises, or more likely, a few hours later when you are eating, running, taking a shower, while sleeping, the next morning…Why not wake up your muse … [Read more…]
Haven’t considered using fear for writing inspiration? Well, I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite holidays is Halloween. As a child, I loved planning who I would morph into for the day. Would I be a cowgirl, a sleeping princess, a witch? I also loved haunted houses and ghost stories, and reveled … [Read more…]
When I speak about writing, one question I always get asked is “Where do you get ideas to write about?” Listeners lean forward expecting to hear how ideas come to me in a mystical, writing-magic moment, or how I begin by developing characters (or setting, or story) or how I am inspired by my muse. … [Read more…]
Freewriting is a terrific way to sneak your way into the writing zone and then write your way to an idea. I use freewriting any time I’m stuck. Instead of staring at a blank page (whether paper or a blank page on a computer—all that white!) I grab a pen or wiggle my fingers over … [Read more…]
Whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction, giving your character accountability adds depth and will forge a connection between your character and the reader. Accountability helps give your character the “it” factor and shows your protagonist has depth and cares for something other than himself. With this in mind, I’ve created a list of writing … [Read more…]