Following Tropes

Following Tropes

by | Jan 10, 2021 | Blog, Method, WIP, Writing

Something within me has always objected to using tropes. It seems so hackneyed. So been there, done that – by everyone and their second cousin once removed. And yet… I suppose there’s something to be said for using tropes. Technically, a trope is “any type of figure...
A Plan for the New Year

A Plan for the New Year

by | Jan 3, 2021 | Blog, Business of Writing, Writing

While we’re all focusing on the end of this year, my mind has already moved on to next year. Yes, I know it’s only days away – in fact, by the time you read this, it will already have arrived. But in these waning days of the old year, I’m working on my business plan...

A Word for the Year Past and Ahead

by | Dec 28, 2020 | Blog, Life, Writing

The Washington Post had a fascinating article: they asked readers to describe the year past in one word or phrase, say why in a paragraph, and then say what they were looking forwar d to in 2021. There were so many fascinating replies. If you’ll indulge me, I shall...
Looking at the big picture

Looking at the big picture

by | Dec 20, 2020 | Blog, Method, Writing, Writing Craft

When we write a story, it’s so easy to get lost in the details. We want to be sure to include all of those luscious little bits like the smell of her hair, the feel of his skin, the warmth of the sun as it streams in through the windows. We describe the settings in...
Give Yourself a Holiday Gift

Give Yourself a Holiday Gift

by | Dec 13, 2020 | Blog, Life, Self-publishing, Writing

As we get closer to the end of the year, it’s natural – and even expected – to pause and think of everything we achieved (or didn’t) in the past year. I took a few minutes to look back through my calendar. It has this lovely column to one side of each full-month...
My New Writing Software Passion: Fictionary

My New Writing Software Passion: Fictionary

by | Dec 6, 2020 | Blog, Method, Writing

I get very passionate about software and writing tools – I don’t know if you’ve noticed that about me. I find something new and I have to have it, play with it, use it… for at least one book, if not more. I’ve tried out a lot of writing software (you can find my list...