Mastering Middle Grade
Three Things I Wish I’d Known
Do you ever stare at one sentence until your eyes start watering? Have you had to read that one…
October 16, 2018-
-
Magazine and FreelanceArticle Writing Basics
People are often surprised when I say I love to write articles. “Articles?” they say. “How did you learn…
October 14, 2018 -
The Poet's PenCOME AND LISTEN TO A STORY – What is a Ballad?
A ballad is a form of poetry that alternates lines of four and three beats, often in quatrains, rhymed…
October 13, 2018 -
ScreenwritingThe Setting
One of the most overlooked components of a story, especially in screenwriting, is the story’s setting. Perhaps, it’s because…
October 4, 2018 -
Romancing Your StoryGetting Inside the Romantic Hero’s Head—Part II
[bctt tweet=”Have you ever wondered what the opposite sex is thinking while you’re thinking? Men, as a rule, think…
September 23, 2018 -
Child's CraftNonfiction For Kids Is Big! – Part II
Last month we looked at an overview of writing nonfiction for kids. This month we focus in on writing…
September 21, 2018 -
History in the MakingIs Writing Historical Fiction a Good Fit for You?
I enjoy digging into the past, following bunny trails of history, and learning about cultures long interred and nearly…
September 20, 2018 -
Mastering Middle Grade
Branding Basics for Middle Grade Writers
When you think about the word “brand,” what comes to mind? A metal tool used with cattle? A particular…
September 16, 2018 -
Magazine and Freelance
Why Write Articles?
When I began writing I had small children at home. I wrote in my head all day long and…
September 14, 2018 -
The Poet's Pen
What Makes A Good Poem?
All writing is about “words” but poetry uses concise words in a concise order. One word in a poem…
September 13, 2018 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiFantastic Fairytales
Browse through your local bookstore and you’ll notice fairytale retellings are quite popular across multiple genres. These tales have…
September 7, 2018 -
Screenwriting
Friction
Every writer has a desire to learn the craft, screenwriters more so. However, their journey is complicated by the…
September 4, 2018 -
Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseElements of Suspense: The Cliffhanger
Once upon a time writers actually left their characters hanging from cliffs. In the early days of movies, when…
August 31, 2018 -
SongwritingSongwriting: Learning by Listening to The Masters
If you take a songwriting class, the first thing you will learn is to read the top 40 charts…
August 28, 2018 -
Copywrite/AdvertisingWhat Aretha Franklin Taught Me about Copywriting
When I heard that Aretha Franklin had passed away, I felt the urge to listen to her hits. After…
August 27, 2018 -
Romancing Your Story
Getting Inside the Hero’s Head––Part I
Contrary to popular belief, the male is the key to any romance. The female is usually the “lead” character.…
August 23, 2018 -
Child's Craft
Nonfiction for Kids Is BIG!
In the publishing world nonfiction is a hot item at this time. For both children’s magazines and books (especially…
August 21, 2018 -
History in the Making
Electrifying Fiction
The dark house looked lonely and foreboding as Ellen pulled the key from her reticule and fumbled with the…
August 20, 2018 -
The Poet's Pen
Numbered Poems
This month I thought we might do something different and fun. I want you to write an 81 word…
August 16, 2018 -
Dear Young ScribesYoung Writer, You Are Enough
I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books…
August 9, 2018 -
Fantasy-Sci-Fi
The Science Fiction Behind Science Fiction
Since the release of Star Trek and Star Wars, viewers of space-based science fiction have had certain expectations of…
August 7, 2018 -
Screenwriting
Messy
Let’s face it, sometimes life just stinks. Friends betray us, family walks away and sometimes the boy doesn’t get…
August 4, 2018 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
A Mystery Conference near You
Did you know there are conferences throughout the country that focus on the mystery / suspense / thriller genre?…
July 31, 2018 -
History in the Making
Naming Characters in Your Historical Novels
Have you ever read a fictional novel set in the 1700s where the main character is named Harper (22…
July 30, 2018 -
Songwriting
(Writing the) Bridge of Freedom
Last month, we discussed writing a song from a premise, and how our premise will dictate what we want…
July 28, 2018
