Category: writing tips

  • Friday’s Findings

    Friday’s Findings

    Usually, I link to articles about the writing craft for Friday’s Findings – articles on character, plot, writing style and such. This past week I found several articles focusing more on a writer’s overall plan; things like an author’s mission statement, planning process, story concept and marketing. I even found a link to famous authors…

  • Some good Storytelling advice

    Some good Storytelling advice

    Sometimes, I go see a movie by myself. John Carter of Mars was one of them. I had read the book and was looking forward to watching the film. After sitting down in the theatre by myself, popcorn and soda in hand, I watched the previews. Then the featured movie lit up the screen. Even…

  • Friday’s Findings

    Friday’s Findings

    I’ve always heard badly written characters can bring down a good story, but well-written characters can save a mediocre story. A few things I’ve learned over the years about writing characters: give each one distinct physical characteristic so the reader can picture them in his mind; give each character an inner goal, such as finding…

  • A Look at Tolkien’s Ten Tips for Writers

    A Look at Tolkien’s Ten Tips for Writers

    I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings years before the movies made them more well-known. Even though one part of me is happy Frodo, Gandalf and Gollum are now household names, the other part of me misses not having to share them with the rest of the world. Just the other day…

  • Friday’s Findings

    Friday’s Findings

    I mentioned last week I am currently working with an illustrator for the book cover of my novel, Oblivion’s Hope. Now I am looking for an editor. I found this article and I’m using it as a guide: The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring, and Working with an Editor And finally, here is a link…

  • Successful Writers

    Successful Writers

    Click on infographic to see enlarged version. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

  • Epic Characters: How to Create Them

    Epic Characters: How to Create Them

    Creating characters for your story may be the hardest part of writing. But it’s the most important. Infographic from the blog Something Delicious: A Creative Catalyst for the Writer’s Soul

  • Friday’s Findings

    Friday’s Findings

    Two days ago, I engaged in a Skype call with an illustrator who specializes in book covers for science fiction and fantasy novels. While we were on the call, he produced a rough sketch of what will become the cover of my current WIP novel, Oblivion’s Hope. Yesterday, he sent me the first draft. I’m…

  • Author Interview: Willem Neill

    Author Interview: Willem Neill

    Willem Neill, who hails from the city of Brisbane in Australia, just published his debut fantasy novel, Embered Soul. I’m currently reading it and enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks, Willem, for participating in my Author Interview series. How did you decide to become an author? I’ve always harboured a vivid imagination and a desire to escape…