Neil Gaiman on the antidote to rejection
In this video, best-selling author Neil Gaiman talks about rejection and how to handle it. Continue reading Neil Gaiman on the antidote to rejection
Tag: featured
Posts tagged “featured” were at one time featured prominently on our front page. They represent content that is significantly important or that we are part particularly proud of.
My problem with “was”
The word “was” is an easy fit when writing in the past tense. Along with “had” it is easy to use the word so hard and often that it becomes a distraction. While “was” is a good word and sometimes … Continue reading My problem with “was”
5 hard-won editing tips
Editing your writing can be a hard process. At least, it is for me. Here are five tips that I think might help your editing and have certainly helped mine. 1. Identify your overused words My overused words include “was” … Continue reading 5 hard-won editing tips
A conversation with a journaling coach
Recently I had a web-based conversation with a journaling coach. I was able to ask questions about journaling and learn more about the art. This is that conversation. What is journaling? Has it been around long? Journaling is the act … Continue reading A conversation with a journaling coach
25 words most writers should avoid
In the game of writing, not all words were created equal. Here are twenty-five weak words writers should avoid. I have included stronger alternatives. Remember that while these words may be commonly used, it’s not necessarily that they are always … Continue reading 25 words most writers should avoid
Word of the Week: Anthropomorphize
When you anthropomorphize a thing you attribute human characteristics to it. Anthropomorphize is the word you would use when describing what Pixar did to get talking cars, talking toys, and playful lamps. Continue reading Word of the Week: Anthropomorphize
Word of the Week: Anachronism
This week’s word is anachronism which is something that is out of place with respect to a time period. Like a car in the background of a movie about Roman gladiators. Something that is conspicuously old-fashioned can also be described … Continue reading Word of the Week: Anachronism
Writing Challenge: Describe a character
This week’s writing challenge is to describe a character. Some of the techniques we experimented with include: Using the environment to contrast with the character Describing body language or actions to demonstrate character Observational descriptions based on real people Contrasting … Continue reading Writing Challenge: Describe a character
The writing challenge and platform builder
Does stretching your writing skills while also building the community around your writing sound good? If so, this post is for you. One of the things we have started to do at the Thanet Creative Writers’ Night is to challenge … Continue reading The writing challenge and platform builder
Word of the Week: Vocabulary
Your vocabulary is all the words you know. One way to grow your vocabulary is to find interesting new words and then try to use them in conversation or writing a few times. The bigger your vocabulary, the more expressive … Continue reading Word of the Week: Vocabulary
How to use templates
On our tools for writers page, we offer a number of templates. These are helpful tools for planning characters, plot, and other aspects of writing. However, it might not always be apparent what to do with those templates. These templates … Continue reading How to use templates
The Power of Visual Descriptions
One of the things I have been exploring lately is ramping up my descriptions. Especially when setting a scene. While I am far from an expert in this regard, I would like to share what I have learned so far … Continue reading The Power of Visual Descriptions