Imagine this. You have an idea for a story but for some reason, you’re having trouble getting started. Days, even weeks go by and you stare at that dreaded white page as if the words are going to magically appear. Whether it’s writer’s block, sheer procrastination, or a mix of both, you’ve let enough time… Read more »
Most often, the questions that I get from readers and writers are about my process of writing historical fiction. Why did I choose the time periods that I did for the story? How did I do the research for four different timelines? Now, fully immersed in the research for my third historical fantasy novel, I’ve… Read more »
So you are interested in fiction writing, but you are unsure of how to get started. I completely understand! There’s more to fiction writing than just taking up a pen and paper, or climbing into your computer chair and firing up your laptop. One of the hardest things about fiction writing can be coming up… Read more »
Medical fiction is difficult to write for the inexperienced or novice, and moreover for those not in the medical field. However, for those facing or recovering from a medical crisis or for those whose family members or friends have gone through an ailment, the very experience: the pain and suffering and the awesome insecurities associated… Read more »
In this post, we’ll consider the challenges of trying to change people’s minds, trying to urge action, trying to change the world, or some portion thereof, explicitly with your words. While the examples I reference are from creative nonfiction, I believe the tips can apply to fiction or poetry as well. In response to the… Read more »
They say writing is a lonely art. For us, it’s exactly the opposite. Over the past five years, whenever either of us has mentioned that we were co-writing a novel, the questions volleyed back at us have been consistent—and consistently skeptical: How in the world does that work? Do you divide up the writing? Does… Read more »
If you write, odds are you have a passion for storytelling. It’s the same creative passion that might push someone into the realm of insanity that is cosplaying, fanwork, or seeking an artistic career. Whether you produce creative content professionally or grind through a traditional 9-5, burnout is inevitable. If you’ve ever considered writing fanfiction,… Read more »
We’ve all been through a prolonged crisis this past year. The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged the routines of even the most disciplined writers. Aside from the pandemic, we’ve had to weather a barrage of exhausting political Sturm und Drang, and the painful, violent reality of racism in our communities. In addition to multiple crises on… Read more »
[Author’s note: This is the first article in my new column series about humor writing called “What’s So Funny”. It addresses the so-called how-to’s, different approaches to humor writing, funny people who inspire me, and so on.] Some people are intimidated by writing humor. They think they just aren’t funny enough. And while it isn’t… Read more »
Is there anything we’re dreaming about more right now than travel? I’m lucky that my day job requires frequent international travel (or it did, before March 2020). I’ve been all over the world for work and for pleasure, from Senegal to Egypt to Vietnam, and it never fails to surprise me how much travel inspires… Read more »
