“If you wait for inspiration to write, you’re not a writer, you’re a waiter.” ~ Dan Poynter Writer or Waiter? — Which one are you? We’ve nearly survived a week of NaNoWriMo. I’m in several support groups, and it seems like nearly everyone in the groups is behind. Of course, there’s always that one writer […]
NaNoWriMo Day 6: Becoming a Writer
“The secret of becoming a writer is to write, write, and keep on writing.” ~ Ken MacLeod We can all agree that becoming a writer means one must write. We’ve already discussed building momentum with our writing and becoming a habit-driven writer. But, if we look at the habits of many famous authors, we’ll find […]
NaNoWriMo Day 5: Why Do You Write?
“A person is a fool to become a writer. His only compensation is absolute freedom.” ~Roald Dahl Which brings about the question: Why do you write? Many people have great ideas for books yet never finish. Becoming an author is a great undertaking, but it can be very worthwhile. Discovering the answer to the “why […]
NaNoWriMo Day 4: To Write or Not to Write?
“There are two of you–one who wants to write and one who doesn’t. The one who wants to write better keep tricking the one who doesn’t.” ~ via The Writing Reader To Write or Not to Write? That is the question many writers face, especially when feeling “forced” to produce words when under deadline or […]
NaNoWriMo Day 3: Tell Yourself the Story
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” ~ Terry Pratchett Tell Yourself the Story Whether or not you’re a plotter or a pantser, you have an idea for your story. Before you get started, it helps to take a few minutes and tell yourself the story. Yesterday we talked about starting with […]
NaNoWriMo Day 2: Plot or Characters?
“Remember: Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” ~ Ray Bradbury The second-oldest question (after the whole chicken/egg issue) is probably “Which comes first, plot or characters?” Some writers argue their point with the same passion displayed by the twin […]
NaNoWriMo Day 1: Are you a Habit-Driven Writer?
“First, forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not.” ~ Octavia Butler Wait, what? Forget inspiration?? What about muses whispering in a writer’s ear? Daydreaming while staring out the window while at work? Walking through the park? Listening to music, for crying out loud? I don’t think Ms. […]
NaNoWriMo Eve: Are You Scriptophobic?
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” ~ Stephen King As if we needed reminding … Fear of writing is a real thing. It has a label and everything. One who fears writing in public (which, in a matter of speaking, includes writing for publication, right?) is known as Scriptophobic. Literally translated, Scriptophobia […]
Forgotten Treasure Setting: The Art Center
Most novels include multiple settings, and Forgotten Treasure is no different. One of the locations readers will explore is The Art Center, located in a (fictional) abandoned winery in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. The Art Center is an exclusive artist community where paintings are created and restored. Did you know Arkansas is home to many […]
Meet the Villain of Lost Treasure
A suspense novel is only as good as its villain. Some suspense stories have more than one villain, but there is usually one driving force behind the suspense. One “big bad guy” (or gal) who is creating chaos in the lives of the hero/heroine. Like heroes and heroines, a villain has a story goal. There […]