Warning: This isn't an in-depth, academic poetry analysis full of symbolism and themes. This is a more practical look at what E.E. Cummings' style can teach authors about writing. E.E. Cummings is well known for playing with words, putting them together in unconventional ways. He also used unusual grammar for a wonderful dramatic effect. These … Continue reading What fiction writers can learn from E.E. Cummings
Stephen King has some wonderful first lines, that both hook the reader and skillfully capture the essence of the book. There's a lot to be learned from his technique. Here are four of my favorites. The Gunslinger The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed. This sentence sets up the story’s … Continue reading On Beginnings: Stephen King’s first lines
Welcome to the fourth in a series of author interviews. Today I'm talking to Hector Kopczynski about sexuality and gender in writing, building a truly foreign fantasy world, and reading with a critical eye. Hector is currently working on both an epic fantasy project and a gritty spy thriller. Sarah: Currently you’re working on two very different … Continue reading Author Interview: Hector Kopczynski
I love to hear authors talk about their work and their craft. It's a good reminder that everyone has a different process and a different technique, and it's fascinating to see the work and thought that went into some brilliant, beautiful books. Here are seven podcasts where you can hear authors answer interview questions and … Continue reading 7 Podcasts where you can meet the author
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
There's a lot of writing advice floating out around there, much of it to do with the philosophical approach to the craft, or the ever elusive formula for creativity. I've compiled here a list of very practical suggestions from Kurt Vonnegut, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, and a few others. Some of this advice may seem … Continue reading 10 Practical Writing Tips from the Greats
I wrote a million words last year. I don't have brilliant and profound advice to give, on how I did it, or even if it's something worth trying to do. But I can tell you what it was like, the best year of my life. This is going to sound trite, but I got there … Continue reading The first of many words
