Monthly Archive: May, 2017

May 30, 2017

The First Author Q&A: Deirdre Simmons-Corbett

Welcome to the first author Q&A! Our first author is Deirdre Simmons-Corbett, whom I met by chance through one of my other jobs. Of the 20 questions focused on the writing, publishing, and marketing process, Deirdre answered all that applied to her. And other than a grammar fix or two, the words are hers. I hope you find it useful or interesting at...

Categories Author Interviews/Business & Publishing Comments: 0

May 25, 2017

The Concealed Carry Writing Prompt for Fashionistas

Guns, knives, garrotes, guillotines – some weapons are more easily concealed than others. And unless you want to use the “Where was he hiding that?!” joke, it’s something you want to think about before writing the scene, and the concealed carry writing prompt for fashionistas will walk you through the basic considerations required. Well, required for fiction. I have no...

Categories Characterization Exercises/Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

May 23, 2017

Author Q&A: Want Some Free Marketing?

Hi! Today’s article is for anyone who hasn’t noticed the new “Author Q&A” link on the left. Or for anyone too lazy (or incurious) to click on it and find out what it is. Well, now all you have to do is read. How nifty is that? Introducing the New Author Q&A Option One of the main goals of this...

Categories General Thoughts & Updates/Writer Resources Comment: 1

May 18, 2017

The 5 Worst Excuses for Not Writing

You heard me. The 5 worst excuses for not writing. And if you know my opinion of writer’s block, you may be wondering what qualifies as “worst.” (They’re all bad, right?) Well, let’s just say these are the laziest and most self-defeating that I can think of (right now). 5 Lame Excuses for Not Writing (You heard me.)  1. It’s Sunny. Writing...

Categories Creative Process/Humor & Wordplay/Inspiration Comments: 0

May 16, 2017

A Writing Prompt for the Braindead

Talked to any teachers lately? I have, and I can tell you that they are simultaneously seriously overworked and seriously excited as the school year comes to a close. In honor of that hair’s edge of consciousness, here is a writing prompt for the braindead. Designing a writing prompt for the braindead is like setting up a marathon for the...

Categories Characterization Exercises/Plotting Exercises/Writing Prompts Comment: 1

May 11, 2017

5 Ways to Use Inspirational Speeches in Your Story

Persuasive speeches are such a strong, traditional way to motivate people that they show up not only in life but also in books, movies, musicals, and more. Here are a handful of examples of ways to use inspirational speeches in your story. How Persuasive Speeches Affect Plots It may seem like an inspirational or persuasive speech has an obvious purpose, and from...

Categories Literary Devices & Writing Techniques/Theatre & Film/Videos Comments: 0

May 4, 2017

Henry David Thoreau Quote: The Key to Selling Anything

“I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” Wow. To me, this Henry David Thoreau quote summarizes the main idea of selling your work to a publisher or a producer.* Heck, it’s the key to selling anything. And the two key words? “Convince me.” The Seed & the...

Categories Business & Publishing/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

May 2, 2017

A Spring Writing Prompt in 3 Acts

Well, 3 parts. It’s not a play or theatrical piece (or cohesive whole), so “acts” may be a bit of hyperbole. But don’t worry – it’s definitely a spring writing prompt for exercising different skills. 3 Takes on a Writing Prompt for Spring Technically, these are 3 different writing exercises that relate to the idea of Spring. After much debate,...

Categories Holiday & Seasonal/Literary Device Exercises/Writing Prompts Comments: 0