Category: Writer’s Tool Box

Wisdom Reblogged, Writer's Tool Box, Writing TIPS

Writing Tip: STOP Writing

Ann Malley

Ready, get set, STOP WRITING!

No, seriously. If you want to write well, check out this must read by short story novelist and reading enthusiast Kayla Ann. Published and well on her way to holding a Masters in English/Creative writing, she gets the impulse to forge on.

What serious writer doesn’t?

The MUSE is demanding if nothing else. She can also hide a great many warts that we writers will not see if we rush to get our darlings out the door. Don’t believe me? Read on…and I hope you’ll join me in following Kayla Ann.

Write on!

KaylaAnn

“Stop writing?!”

“But Kayla,” you may ask me, “how can you tell me to stop writing? Shouldn’t we keep writing? After all, we are writers! How can we be writers if we are not writing? How does stopping our writing actually help our writing? Isn’t that contradictory?”

Image result for girl you crazy gif

Now before you turn away from me and shake your head in disgust, hear me out.

I’m not saying that we should stop all writing. I am saying that you should stop working on the project you’re currently working on once you have finished it. For writers there is this huge urge that once we finally finish a project we automatically want to go back through, edit, and send it to a publisher. It’s just not realistic guys. In order for a work to be good you need to utilize the power of distance.

Now some of you may be wondering…

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Writer's Tool Box

Patience Bears Fruit: Building a Back List by Looking Back!

Ann Malley

I'm loving me some David Austin ROSES! Check it out, peeps. The hedge is exploding. But careful tending is still required. I’m pruning deadheads to make room for new growth while exhausted blooms are put to good use. Am I making compost? Nope. Fun, fragrant, and great for a soak! Bath salts! I started making… Continue reading Patience Bears Fruit: Building a Back List by Looking Back!

Digging Into History, Writer's Tool Box

Digging into History: A Writer’s Guide to the Perfect Hero

Ann Malley

Humans LOVE a hero! Times change, but people don’t. Contrary to what some believe, we’re all born with a human nature that binds us together, forcing us to grow and learn. But along the way, academic progress notwithstanding, mankind has always enjoyed a vicarious thrill. Humans love to cheer champions who pull off glorious feats… Continue reading Digging into History: A Writer’s Guide to the Perfect Hero

Writer's Tool Box, Writing TIPS

Do I sketch out the plot of my novel before starting it or do I allow my characters to lead the way?

Ann Malley

NO fooling. There are different ways to approach a story, but each carries its own consequences. Check in with Florence Witkop, author of The Man from Yesterday, for some writerly wisdom that could save YOU some serious time. And, please, follow me if you'd like to continue this journey of learning, laughing, and generally having… Continue reading Do I sketch out the plot of my novel before starting it or do I allow my characters to lead the way?

CARE AND FEEDING OF WRITERS, Writer's Tool Box, Writing TIPS

Slow and Steady: Writer’s Life Lessons from the Oldest Animal on Earth!

Ann Malley

Which are YOU? Slow and steady wins the race. How often have you heard that tortoise and the hare reference? I’ve lived with it my whole life since I have a fascination with shelled babies. And yet a tendency to go wild-hare trips me up too often. (Remember, I’m the one who almost stomped her… Continue reading Slow and Steady: Writer’s Life Lessons from the Oldest Animal on Earth!

Wisdom Reblogged, Writer's Tool Box, Writing TIPS

Beta Readers, CPs and Self-Editing

Ann Malley

Walk away, Renée–that Left Banke ’60’s classic–was a memorable song from my growing up. Why? I was almost named Renée–far more exotic than Ann, but there you go. My mom cooked plain food, too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_QVUfZv92U

As fate would have it, though, I’m not able to walk away.

Good thing or else I’d be missing out! So here I am with another insightful Renée–aspiring author Renée Hurteau–whose on point advice for writers is absolutely golden.

Write on!

R.F. Hurteau

I open my file, glance with trepidation at the myriad red marks and comment bubbles throughout, and promptly close it again.  I just can’t.  Not right now.

Instead, I thought this might be a good time to share some of my thoughts on editing for any of my fellow writers that have found their way here.

Editing, a crucial element to any good story, is difficult.  In the beginning, when you first finish writing and hand it off eagerly to third parties for their feedback, it sometimes can seem like a personal affront when their constructive criticism comes back.  However, you shouldn’t take it as one!  Constructive criticism is vital to a story that people can immerse themselves in.  One misspelled word, one convoluted, hard to read sentence, is enough to jar them out of a state of suspended disbelief.  What about that small but glaring plot hole you missed?…

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Author Recommendation, Cover Reveals, Writer's Tool Box

Spring is coming: But GREAT READS are already here!

Ann Malley

To everything, turn-turn-turn. There IS a season for all things. And spring flowers are just around the corner. I nearly stomped them this afternoon when tending those lovely details that keep us going—grocery shopping. Rocket shopping. Who has time? It’s a hassle, but people need to eat.  Getting bags into the house can be fun—sarcasm… Continue reading Spring is coming: But GREAT READS are already here!

Writer's Tool Box

Return of the VORTEX: Make all your characters work for you!

Ann Malley

The Basics never change! Who? What? Where? When? Why? And how? The writer’s life, more than most, orbits these six mysteries. Chief among them is who. Characters are the backbone of storytelling. Somebody must want something, fight for something, and need it badly enough— no whims— for readers to engage. The reader himself is a… Continue reading Return of the VORTEX: Make all your characters work for you!

Writer's Tool Box

Celebration Exodus: Move it on out, girl!

Ann Malley

OMG - maybe that was Bruce Willis manhandling boxes in my room? It came. The new chair! And a desk actually intended for an adult. Squeee. Check out the Grinch doing what grinches do—at least in my house. Mattresses aren't their only fetish. Apparently, there's something primal about schlepping two ton boxes and "building" desks.… Continue reading Celebration Exodus: Move it on out, girl!

Writer's Tool Box

Christian Fiction: Personal Shopper

Ann Malley

No do-overs for wasted time! Time is precious. Productive people make the most of it. Those with too much time often waste what they have, regretting it later when time has run out. But whether you're pressed or blessed with abundance, if you like a good inspy, you'll LOVE this new service offered by Christian… Continue reading Christian Fiction: Personal Shopper