Creating a scene. Funny how you can interpret the phrase two ways. Either you’re at a fancy restaurant in the midst of a humdinger of a quarrel with your partner. Or you’re a playwright, screen writer or novelist in front of your computer. If you’re in front of your computer,... read more
I chose the title image for this blog on novels from one of the most famous movies of all time. I modeled my title on the rhythm and exclamation of one of its most famous lines. We writers derive inspiration from all sorts of places, including the visual arts. It’s entirely normal... read more
New Year’s Resolutions, ugh. Lose weight. Join a gym. Straighten out finances. These are worthy resolutions to be sure. But they’re not for me, because they feel punitive. I’d rather give myself goals that feel more like gifts. Trite but true, this time of year is perfect for recalibrating our... read more
Because this blog on audiences opens with a classical reference, I chose for the title image the Greek theater in the ancient city of Epidaurus. Credit: greekfestival.gr. Audiences: Ancient Wisdom Aristotle is famous for saying: Audiences are made not found (Rhetoric, 4th century B.C.). He means that, both in real life... read more
There are a zillion Christmas romances out there. Nothing for it but to wade in and read what I can read. I’m on the hunt for blazing hearths, hot toddies, and the scent of pine to inspire warm and fuzzy love stories. And let’s not forget the mistletoe. Christmas Romances:... read more
The Regency Era The Regency is the period in British history when King George III was incapacitated and his son ruled as Prince Regent. It began in 1811 and ended in 1820 when George III died and the Regent became George IV. Many authors treat the Regency as a more... read more
We all know what to deck the hall with. That’s right, boughs of holly. Sure, we all know it because the song has an upbeat melody and lots of fun fa-la-las. But it’s also memorable because it sets the Yuletide scene so deftly. Along with all the fresh and fragrant... read more
Best Gifts for Writers lists abound these days, and I’ve read a bunch of them now. It may well be that some writers want a literary tee-shirt. I do know that some writers have a writing tee, but I don’t know whether they take inspiration from one with a famous... read more
My short answer to the question: “Where do you find writing inspiration?” is: Everywhere. In other words I don’t think of writing inspiration in terms beautiful sunsets or waves lapping the shore. However, since the evening sky and the beach are included in “Everywhere” then, sure, they count as places... read more
You’ve produced the first draft of your story. Now what? First Draft Improvement: Tip #1 Live by the Russian motto, suggested by the title image: The first pancake is always lumpy. There are various ways to translate the phrase, and the adjective ‘blob’ also works. So. Your first draft is... read more
