One of my writing groups has decided that we want to try to produce an anthology, similar to the one I had the latest story published in. As a participant in that process, I have been roped…er…coerced into helping research what exactly might be involved in such an endeavor. We’re going to be using the…
OK I have finished reading the trilogy that I started a while ago. I don’t usually bother reviewing anything on the website but in this case, I’m going to make an exception. I have given all 3 books a 5-star rating on Goodreads & Amazon. I didn’t bother with a review because the author already…
It’s First Wednesday, which means it’s time for our monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog! July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from? I do occasionally have a dream that leads directly to a story, but most of my ideas come from paying attention to…
This is courtesy of one of author Michael Stackpole’s lectures at Dragoncon, which is a science fiction convention that happens to have a Writing Track with great advice for any author. First, remember that you are not editing as you go along. As Stackpole says, “first, dig the hole” – get the manuscript down before you play…
Since I have an AI character in my book, a friend recommended this book to me. It’s by Ann Leckie and is the only novel so far to have won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards – and it was her first novel! It’s the story of one “ancillary” body left from an…
I often have a tough time deciding on what to write on the old blog! I’ve copied several lists from other blog writers and decided to do my own version of a topic list. Topics About Writing: Topics About the Author: Topics About Other Authors:
It’s First Wednesday, so time for another Insecure Writer’s Support Group Post! June 7 question – If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with? I can’t imagine not writing, but I suppose if I had to stop, I’d replace it with something else creative. Maybe I’d become a voice actor or…
I was hoping for another Murderbot Diaries book, but Martha Wells finished this fantasy first so I’m trying it out. I’m usually more of a sci-fi reader but I can get into a decent fantasy so long as the characters and plot are realistic enough. So far, I’m interested. Kai is a demon from Underearth.…
This is an old Robert Heinlein novel I haven’t seen in ages (and didn’t remember much of what I saw back then, to be honest) so I’m revisiting it. I have to say it’s not one of Heinlein’s best stories – there’s a lot of discussion about his favorite topics (sex & the place of…
Dialogue is a multi-tool for writers. You can advance the plot, hint at setting, give backstory, & describe the characters all in a line or two. Here are a few dialogue tips you can use: