Getting into the head of someone who's taken a life isn't easy (I hope!) But well written books can transport us anywhere, even into the head of a murderer. These are five books I've found very useful in writing my novel. They're all wonderful and enjoyable reads as well. 1. Blood on Snow by Jo … Continue reading How to write a killer: 5 great examples
Tag: amwriting
World building resources
The beautiful thing about writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel is that you get to create a whole world unlike any other for your novel. The terrifying thing about writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel is that you have to create a whole world unlike any other for your novel. If you’re about to take … Continue reading World building resources
How to Write a Psychopath
Psychopaths can be tricky to write, because it’s not always easy (I hope!) to get into the head of someone who lacks remorse, empathy, and a sense of morality. Psychopathy is often a misunderstood concept, even among psychologists. So here’s a little guide to help you come up with the perfect psychopath, evil laughter included. … Continue reading How to Write a Psychopath
Creative procrastination: 11 questions to ask your characters
When I’m staring at a blank page, eyes unfocused, fingers drooping over the keyboard, sometimes I realize I’m just not going to get any drafting done today. That’s when I procrastinate turn to other exercises that help me develop my novel. One technique I like is to do a character sheet, where I examine different … Continue reading Creative procrastination: 11 questions to ask your characters
Writing software spotlight: Scrivener
There came a point in the creation of my novel when Microsoft Word and Google Docs just weren't cutting it. The document I was creating was too long and too complex. So, in addition to the apps I use for note taking and brainstorming, I picked up two alternative word processing programs, Scrivener and Storyist. … Continue reading Writing software spotlight: Scrivener
Second Pocket Watch Blog Hop Character Spotlight
What's the difference between a writer and a maniac? The voices in the writer's head are called characters. *a pause for laughter* *awkward silence ensues* Anyway, today's blog post is all about characters, brought to you once again by The Pocket Watch, a group of writers causing fictional mischief. In this blog hop, we're shining … Continue reading Second Pocket Watch Blog Hop Character Spotlight
10 Best Literary Snacks For Writers
What better way to settle into a writing ritual than with a snack inspired by a great book? Here are ten snacks that can add some mood and flavor to your writing session. 1. Cowboy coffee Annie Proulx’s unflinching portrayal of the hard ranching life in Wyoming in Bad Dirt is a bracing way to start … Continue reading 10 Best Literary Snacks For Writers
Personality tests for fictional characters
Have you ever wondered if your main character might be a narcissist? Is your villain a psychopath, or just misunderstood? I had a lot of fun giving these personality tests to my characters. Seeing their traits highlighted gave me a little perspective and some ideas. But I've got a warning, before we get started. None of … Continue reading Personality tests for fictional characters
Pocket Watch Blog Hop Character Spotlight
Today's blog post is brought to you by The Pocket Watch, a group of amazing writers who get together to make fictional trouble. I'm lucky enough to be a card carrying member, and to have been invited to participate in the....First Ever Pocket Watch Blog Hop Character Spotlight! I'm really excited about this. My mission, … Continue reading Pocket Watch Blog Hop Character Spotlight
4 medical research resources for writers
As a mandate, "Do no harm" is all well and good for doctors, but as Kurt Vonnegut once said, writers must be sadists, tormenting our characters "so that the reader may see what they're made of." Whether you want to torment your characters with a disease, or inflict upon them a career in medicine, research … Continue reading 4 medical research resources for writers
Sarah Kay Moll 