One thing that we messy writers need to learn is this – failure is not fatal. The key thing, as a writer, is to tell interesting stories. It does not matter if you write a story and most people don’t … Continue reading Failure is not fatal
The very best writers are those that have learned to love “necessary mess” as part of their writing process. First drafts: A necessary mess Have you have ever looked at something you have written and thought “oh dear lord, what … Continue reading How professional writers embrace necessary mess
There is a lie that abounds in certain circles of the so-called “natural writer”. But there is no such thing. It is a lie that exists like a secret false religion, perpetrated by people who should know better. A lie … Continue reading The lie of the so-called “natural writer”
The advice “show; don’t tell” is readily dished out by writers. Which is all well and good if you happen to know what on Earth they mean by that. The truth is that once you see the difference you can easily … Continue reading What do you mean “show; don’t tell”?
When you get into writing stories, sooner or later people come along that try to fill your head with all sorts of nonsense about what every story “needs”. Most of the time, they are well-intentioned but wrong. You may have … Continue reading The basics of every story ever
At this week’s Writers’ Tea and Chat, Karen brought along a collection of items for us to use as prompts for creating a story. I’m still mulling over the best way to turn my item into a story. Which is why … Continue reading Using items as story prompts