Category: fiction writing
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Mastering the Writing Craft
“Mastery is not something that strikes in an instant, like a thunderbolt, but a gathering power that moves steadily through time, like weather.” ― John Gardner, The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers Photo by Mateusz Feliksik: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fog-in-forest-13428141/
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Dedicated Five Minutes
Rachel Aaron is a fantasy and science fiction author. My favorite two series she has written are the Eli Monpress books and the Heartstrikers. Photo by Moose Photos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-double-bell-clock-1037993/
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NaNoWriMo 23: The Verdict
I’ll go ahead and say it: I didn’t win NaNoWriMo 23. Am I sad about it? Nope. During my first NaNoWriMo in 2008, I wanted to win so badly I could taste it. And I did win. I gained a lot of confidence in myself as a writer that year. And, to be honest, if…
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Friday’s Findings: Hints
“Far better to give your readers some hints and then allow them to fill in the blanks for themselves.” ― Renni Browne, David King, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-using-magnifying-glass-7319077/
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And We’re Off: First Day of NaNoWriMo 2023
I belong to the writing community of Writing Mastery Academy online and I wrote this in the National Novel Writing Month discussion group this morning: “I woke up about 10 minutes before midnight, and figured I should go ahead and do a couple of word sprints. I got about 800 words in one hour, which…
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Should I Do NaNoWriMo?
Should I do NaNoWriMo this year? Whether or not I do is in question. Here’s why: I’m currently working on three novels. Yes, I’m crazy. Currently, the momentum I have working on all three is going well. I don’t want to break it. I also have three or four outlines of potential novels. I want…
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Friday’s Findings: Writing Lessons from One Piece
I watched the new Netflix series called One Piece over the Labor Day weekend. I recommend it if you’re looking for both humor and drama. Being a pirate-themed show, One Piece has a lot of swashbuckling fun. Monkey D. Luffa wants the One Piece, a treasure hidden by the executed pirate Gol D. Roger. He…
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Terry Brooks: Sometimes the Magic Works (After 20 Years)
I attended the Imaginarium Convention last weekend, and Terry Brooks was a special guest. In 2003, I bought his book Sometimes the Magic Works, his half memoir, half writing instruction book. I read it and learned a lot. Since then, I’ve read many of his fantasy novels. At the conference, I asked him to sign…
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Friday’s Findings: Where Are You With Your Writing Goals?
It’s hard to believe it’s June already. Where are you with your writing goals for this year? Fiction University: Choose the Setting for Your Short Story: Location, Weather, Atmosphere (janicehardy.com)provides guidance on selecting the right setting elements to enhance the overall impact of your short story. When to Use Semicolons: 4 Rules and Examples (reedsy.com)offers…
Andrew M. Friday 