%%USERNAME%%
%%ACCWORDS%%
%%ONOFF%%
Est. %%EST%%
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Request Review: %%RRINFO%%
Awards
Badges
|
un:
%%REPLACE%%
Send Email
Send Merit Badge
Send Awardicon
Comments: (optional)
X
Get Started
·
Writing.Com 101
·
Need Help?
·
Login
·
Signup
Get Started
·
Writing.Com 101
·
Need Help?
·
Login
·
Signup
Press '
enter
' or click the
to search all of Writing.Com.
Search where?
All of Writing.Com
Any Genre
---------------
Action/Adven
Activity
Adult
Animal
Arts
Biographical
Business
Career
Children's
Comedy
Community
Computers
Contest
Contest Entr
Crime/Gangst
Cultural
Dark
Death
Detective
Drama
Educational
Emotional
Entertainmen
Environment
Erotica
Experience
Family
Fanfiction
Fantasy
Fashion
Finance
Folklore
Food/Cooking
Foreign
Friendship
Genealogy
Ghost
Gothic
Health
History
Hobby/Craft
Holiday
Home/Garden
Horror/Scary
How-To/Advic
Inspirationa
Internet/Web
LGBTQ+
Legal
Medical
Melodrama
Men's
Military
Music
Mystery
Mythology
Nature
News
Nonsense
Occult
Opinion
Paranormal
Parenting
Personal
Pets
Philosophy
Political
Psychology
Reference
Regional
Relationship
Religious
Research
Reviewing
Romance/Love
Satire
Sci-fi
Scientific
Self Help
Spiritual
Sports
Steampunk
Supernatural
Technology
Teen
Thriller/Sus
Tragedy
Transportati
Travel
Tribute
War
Western
Women's
Writing
Writing.Com
Young Adult
Reading
Any Type
-------------
Audio
Books
CNotes
Campfires
Crosswords
Documents
Folders
Forums
Groups
Images
In & Outs
Interactives
Madlibs
Members
Photo Albums
Polls
Quizzes
Searches
Shops
Statics
Surveys
Web Pages
Login / Sign Up
Create New Item
Read & Review
>
Community
Community Newsfeed
The Hub
Activities
Contests
Newsletters
The Blog Board
The Plug Page
Message Forums
General Discussion
Noticing Newbies
Weekly Goals
Sponsored Items
Auto-Reward Items
Read a Newbie
Read & Review
Please Review
Public Reviews
Review Forums
Request a Review
Merit Badges
Awarded Items
Search All Items
>
Browse By Type
About Our Item Types
Static Items
Poetry
Short Stories
Articles
Prose
Essays
Fiction
Non-fiction
Books
Blogs
Forums
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
>
Browse By Genre
Action/Adventure
Activity
Adult
Animal
Arts
Biographical
Business
Career
Children's
Comedy
Community
Computers
Contest
Contest Entry
Crime/Gangster
Cultural
Dark
Death
Detective
Drama
Educational
Emotional
Entertainment
Environment
Erotica
Experience
Family
Fanfiction
Fantasy
Fashion
Finance
Folklore
Food/Cooking
Foreign
Friendship
Genealogy
Ghost
Gothic
Health
History
Hobby/Craft
Holiday
Home/Garden
Horror/Scary
How-To/Advice
Inspirational
Internet/Web
LGBTQ+
Legal
Medical
Melodrama
Men's
Military
Music
Mystery
Mythology
Nature
News
Nonsense
Occult
Opinion
Paranormal
Parenting
Personal
Pets
Philosophy
Political
Psychology
Reference
Regional
Relationship
Religious
Research
Reviewing
Romance/Love
Satire
Sci-fi
Scientific
Self Help
Spiritual
Sports
Steampunk
Supernatural
Technology
Teen
Thriller/Suspense
Tragedy
Transportation
Travel
Tribute
War
Western
Women's
Writing
Writing.Com
Young Adult
>
Writing Resources
Copyrights
Editing
Literary Agents
Marketing
Newsletters
Publishing
Self Publishing
Writing Classes
On Writing.Com
About Us
Contact Us
F. A. Q.
Get Started
Help (Forum)
Noticing Newbies
Reviewing Handbook
Site News
Support Forum
Testimonials
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023
2:53am
EST
Members:
822
Guests:
2,085
Total Online:
2,907
SPONSORED LINKS
Happy Travels by Jack
An awesome app imagined by a five year old!
Writing.Com Zazzle Store
Cool products created by Writing.Com!
Copiers, Printers and More!
Online since 1995, here for your office equipment needs!
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
A BEAUTIFUL DEMON
A beautiful lamia checks into a motel & starts devouring the male guests
Rebel Poetry Contest
Accepting entries for November 2023.
Too Much To Ask
secular / religious conflict
Writing.Com General Discussion
A message forum for general discussion. Please come and chat with others!
SPONSORED ITEMS
Join RAOK!
Use this form as a request to join RAOK to help eligible WdC members with their upgrades.
Daily Flash Fiction Challenge
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
Crosstimbers Review Forum
Free, honest, and in-depth reviews.
When The Memories Call
For all grieving parents and anyone else who has lost a loved one.
READ A NEWBIE
Out of place (Chapter 2)
Draft of the second chapter. You can find the first on my account. Any remarks are welcome
Out of place
This is the revised draft of this first chapter. I already published part of it.
Your business school guide -
The nerd advice to crack the Career / Campus / Interview , so you don't have to drain yourself
Romany
Background to a character from my D&D days for possible use as a prologue to a story.
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
This Is My Scene
A blog of the heart as one looks through a window of a hospital ward...
Second Chapter
A woman steps out of her life and into the unknown.
Express yourself Within Forty Words
Express your thoughts about the given subject within forty words.
Writing.Com General Discussion
A message forum for general discussion. Please come and chat with others!
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/topic/100000
Writing.Com Newsletter Archives: For Authors
Newsletter Archives Home
To view an
For Authors
newsletter, click an issue date:
#12258:
November 29, 2023
by
Annette
"A Certain Dreadful Fascination"
Stephen King doesn't want AI to write for him, but he's fascinated nonetheless.
Is it really surprising that Stephen King is not terrified by AI?
#12284:
November 22, 2023
by
Lornda
Never Give Up
Have you ever thought your writing was horrible? You might want to rethink it.
What’s your opinion? Does reading bad writing help you improve your writing? What has helped you write better?
#12270:
November 15, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Sousa's Lament
Does technological change spell doom or opportunity for fiction authors, or is change just inevitable?
Does technological change mmake things better or worse?
#12267:
November 08, 2023
by
fyn
What's Old is New Again!
Remodeling your work/
Best advice for surviving a remodel?
#12222:
October 18, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Ghost Stories
Do you believe in Ghosts?
Tell us your ghost story.
#12217:
October 11, 2023
by
fyn
When you must kill off your darlings...
Treating with death in novels.
Ever plotted out a murder (of a character, of course) and had the wrong person overhear that discussion?
#12177:
September 27, 2023
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
Depict Your Culture
Handling cultural aspects in your writing.
Whom do you call 'Uncle'?
#12179:
September 20, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Whodunnit?
how you who did what can reinforce and solidify point of view. The words you use to do this matter.
How does point of view differ between cinema, theatre, and written fiction?
#12173:
September 13, 2023
by
fyn
Yes, You CAN!
Overcoming the 'Doubt-Nigglers'
How do you squash that bug?
#12124:
September 06, 2023
by
Annette
Metaphor, Simile, and Analogy
A room without books is like a body without a soul. - Cicero
What are your thoughts on using metaphors, similes, and analogies in fiction writing?
#12151:
August 30, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
Creative Control
A look at possible options to consider when it comes to control over stories.
Are there aspect of a story you expect to keep control depending on how things go?
#12134:
August 23, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Strolling Through Genres
Surveying a variety of genres
Genre, genre, who's got the genre?
#12130:
August 16, 2023
by
fyn
Write It Out
Sometimes 'tis better to write rather than speak.
Ever let your characters say what you won't/couldn't/shouldn't?
#12116:
August 09, 2023
by
Leger ~ Secret Santa
EEK! It's a Spider!
A fun way to brainstorm!
What are your brainstorming tips?
#12094:
August 02, 2023
by
Annette
Jungian Archetypes
Last week was Carl Jung's birthday.
Do you think archetypes are useful in writing?
#12084:
July 26, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Characters and Plots and Themes, Oh my!
What is a theme and how to you connect it to your story?
Do you have a favorite theme?
#12071:
July 19, 2023
by
fyn
Advice and Consent
Your choice
What's the worst advice you've ever taken?
#12058:
July 12, 2023
by
Annette
On Writing
Stephen King's book holds a lot of lessons for writers.
Is "On Writing" on your must-read list?
#12032:
July 05, 2023
by
Annette
Books About Writing
Stephen King says, "If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time to write."
Which books on writing have you read? Which one do you recommend the most?
#12037:
June 28, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
From the Other Side
What happens after you send your story to an acquisitions editor?
Does a rejection from a publisher mean your story is bad?
#12028:
June 21, 2023
by
fyn
'Open a New Window ...'
Ongoing symbolism in your writing
Do you have a 'go to' object you use as symbolism in your writing?
#12018:
June 14, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
The Importance of Representation
Some thoughts on how much it can mean for a person (any age) to see someone like themselves in fiction.
Have you considered who might connect with your characters or writing?
#12000:
June 07, 2023
by
Annette
Writing Bucket List
Plan to write. List what you want to write.
Have you made a list of all the things you want to write?
#11986:
May 31, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
The Manichean Fallacy
Tools for constructing credible characters
Are your characters pure types or hybrids?
#11982:
May 24, 2023
by
fyn
Cannot underestimate the Importance
... of good storytelling!
What's an example of good storytelling you've encountered lately?
#11976:
May 17, 2023
by
Jayne
Even Old Digital is New Again
Interactive Fiction in the Age of AI
How might AI reinvent interactive fiction? 💻 🤖 Share your predictions!
#11952:
May 10, 2023
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
Storm in a cupcake
Thank goodness we're writers!
Have you ever said 'no' to cake?
#11936:
May 03, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
No Book Is an Island
The role of metatext in fiction
What is metatext, anyway?
#11932:
April 26, 2023
by
fyn
Word/Phrase Thoughts
Some random thoughts...
What would be 'your' perfect world
#11902:
April 19, 2023
by
Jayne
Embracing Modern Style Guides
Going Beyond Strunk and White for Vibrant, Inclusive Writing
What does it mean to be a "modern" author?
#11898:
April 12, 2023
by
Lilli 🧿 ☕
Where do I start?
Tips on writing non-fiction.
Have you written any non-fiction pieces you'd like to share with us? Please post the link below.
#11888:
April 05, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
The Allegory of the Cave
What is reality anyway, and how does it relate to fiction?
Is fiction real or just imagination run wild?
#11885:
March 29, 2023
by
fyn
Storybirth
Ideas can come from all sorts of places ... unexpectedly!
What's been your most unusual inspiration for a story?
#11873:
March 22, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
First Person Viewpoint (I Prevail)
A look at some aspects that come with the territory of telling the story through the I, aka first person point of view.
What are your thoughts on first person? Does it come off more personal or make it difficult to connect with a character?
#11858:
March 15, 2023
by
Annette
Details
Readers rely on our words to see what we write. Being detailed in descriptions in necessary.
How much detail is too much?
#11844:
March 08, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Time, realism, and surrealism
Musings on time, dreams, and reality
When is realism surreal?
#11833:
March 01, 2023
by
fyn
Writing For Life
When writing gets you through ... and beyond.
Has your writing gotten you through a challenging situation?
#11813:
February 22, 2023
by
Samberine Everose
Ekindle vs Paperback
Which one you would prefer?
Tools in Publishing may be made easy.
#11804:
February 15, 2023
by
Lilli 🧿 ☕
Creating Conflict
Sometimes people just rub us the wrong way!
Why can't we just get along?
#11793:
February 08, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
A Grammarian's Panegyric Part 3
Verbs give power and energy to sentences. Understanding their nuances is critical to effective writing.
What's the difference between the present and the fictional present?
#11789:
February 01, 2023
by
fyn
The Little Things
It is the small things that knit the story together...
What is a small thing that happened to you that led to what might become a bigger tale?
#11778:
January 25, 2023
by
Dawn Embers
Different Characters and Dialogue
A look at how different characters can talk different without going too far in the dialogue.
How do you write the dialogue of characters who speak different that is easy enough for different readers to follow?
#11736:
January 18, 2023
by
Annette
Active vs. Passive Voice
Use active voice to make your stories vivid - make your characters come to life.
Can an inanimate object perform an action?
#11747:
January 11, 2023
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
A Grammarian's Panegyric Part 2
Grammar and the mood of a verb
Who knew verbs have moods, just like people?
#11741:
January 04, 2023
by
fyn
Bookshelved
Going through what I keep on my bookshelves.
What are your favorite books you'd never part with?
#11725:
December 28, 2022
by
Dawn Embers
Planning for a New Year of Writing
As one year ends, the time comes to start planning the next.
Are you ready to write in 2023? Do you have any plans or goals for the year?
#11627:
December 21, 2022
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
Assembling your cast of characters
Whom to put in - and whom to leave out.
Do they deserve to be here?
#11697:
December 14, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
A Grammarian's Panegyric
Passive voice and point of view
Is it okay to boldly go where no one has gone before?
#11695:
December 07, 2022
by
fyn
Celebrating...
Regardless of which holiday you celebrate (or don't) this is a season of giving one of the best gifts of all: YOU!
What's your favorite holiday tradition?
#11647:
November 23, 2022
by
Annette
The Other Half
All are needed: Prewriting, Drafting, Revising.
How much time and effort do you spend on revisions?
#11657:
November 16, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
It's Axiomatic
My journey from mathematician to fiction author
Does fiction have axioms, like mathematics?
#11653:
November 09, 2022
by
fyn
Veteran's Day
A veteran is a veteran, regardless of the country they defend.
Are you a veteran or would you like to give a shout out to one?
#11623:
October 26, 2022
by
Lilli 🧿 ☕
Hey, watch your tone!
A closer look at some words that express a 'tone' that characters can exude.
Are there any words that 'ruffle your feathers'? What are they?
#11616:
October 19, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Snark
The hashtag snark is common in twitterature, but it's widespread in other forms of discourse, including literature.
Who is your favorite snarky character in fiction?
#11608:
October 12, 2022
by
fyn
Crawl OUTSIDE Your Box!
Don't be afraid to try something new or outlandish (for you!)
What's the most 'oddball' thing you've ever done?
#11580:
September 28, 2022
by
Dawn Embers
Hitting a Metaphorical Brick Wall
A look at different ways to get stuck and some possible solutions for opening doors or windows.
What do you do when you get stuck in writing or when trying to make progress on a project?
#11563:
September 21, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
To Trope Or Not To Trope
What is a trope and why use them?
What's your favorite trope?
#11558:
September 14, 2022
by
fyn
Writer's Toolbox
Screwdrivers and wrenches? Yes. (In a way!)
What are your 'go-tos' when you need help?
#11498:
August 31, 2022
by
Annette
Point of View
The point of view in a story is not your point of view or opinion about the story.
Which point of view to you prefer to write? And which point of view do you prefer to read?
#11521:
August 24, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
It Takes a Detective
Some comments on detective fiction
Why is the detective story such an enduring form?
#11513:
August 17, 2022
by
fyn
Am I Good Enough?
You can be!
What do you worry about with your writing?
#11470:
August 03, 2022
by
Annette
Reviewing Should Be Collaboration
Writers need as many extra eyes on their writing as possible.
Can you review constructively and stay encouraging?
#11473:
July 27, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Like, Totally!
English dialects and writing
Every English speaker uses a dialect. Which one is yours?
#11468:
July 20, 2022
by
fyn
Author Interview
Dawn Merrima: Best-selling indie author!
What piece of advice would YOU offer a beginning author?
#11440:
July 06, 2022
by
Jeff
How Useful Are "How To" Books?
Advice on writing advice.
Are there any writing advice books you love? Hate?
#11432:
June 29, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Words Matter
Not all words are equal. Choose active over passive, specific over vague, showing over telling.
Which words do you over-use?
#11425:
June 22, 2022
by
fyn
Authenticity
Where is the line?
Have you and/or are you comfortable writing characters who are straight/gay/trans, etc?
#11380:
June 01, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Don't Touch the Phlebotinum
Sometimes hand-waving can explain the unexplainable.
What's your favorite example of hand-waving in fiction?
#11378:
May 25, 2022
by
fyn
Let's Go Pick Asparagus
When you need to readjust your focus
What's the oddest thing you've ever done to get your creativity going?
#11362:
May 18, 2022
by
Vivian
What Happens When our Heroes Leave?
As people age, they leave. When our writing heroes go, a hole is left.
How do we survive a hole in our lives?
#11337:
May 04, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Planning Scenes
Some essential questions to consider before writing a scene.
What's your favorite opening line in a novel or short story?
#11330:
April 27, 2022
by
fyn
Insidious Condition: The Dreaded Blank
How to get past that impenetrable brick wall!
How do you handle the beast?
#11316:
April 20, 2022
by
Vivian
What Editors and Publishers Hate
Writers shouldn't want to make publishers and editors angry, so don't do what they hate.
What makes Editors and Publishers angry?
#11294:
April 13, 2022
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
Not So Obviously
There are things that hit you immediately. And there are things you have to think about to get the 'aha' moment.
Does it need to be in-your-face to be true?
#11293:
April 06, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Waiting for What?
Character Arcs
When is an arc flat?
#11288:
March 30, 2022
by
fyn
Observations on a Snowy Spring Weekend
Writers must be aware of the world around them!
What was the last random thing you saw that you used in your writing?
#11274:
March 23, 2022
by
Vivian
Active-Passive Voice Show Don't Tell
Using active voice creates writing that alive, showing not telling
Why does a writer want to show and not tell?
#11246:
March 09, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
What Was HeThinking?
How do you show the internal thoughts of your point-of-view character? Reports? Italics? There's another way.
What characters are thinking can be critical, but how to you show it without telling?
#11240:
March 02, 2022
by
fyn
Who ARE You?
Knowing who YOU are will help you to focus on the type of writing you do! (AND are good at!)
How has the writing you do changed over time?
#11228:
February 23, 2022
by
Vivian
Benefiting from Writing Conferences
Writing conferences help improve writing skills and build writing character
Why should you waste time on writing conferences?
#11210:
February 16, 2022
by
Samberine Everose
Why do you write?
what's your purpose in your writing?
You will never get bored, and you will never get tired when you are with your passion.
#11200:
February 09, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
What's in a Name?
Dos and Donts for Names
What's your favorite character name from fiction or cinema?
#11194:
February 02, 2022
by
fyn
Word Smiths
What we are or should aim to be.
What are your three favorite words, and why? What are your three LEAST favorite words?
#11179:
January 26, 2022
by
Vivian
When the Creative Stream Stops Flowing
Writers often find themselves unable to write due to a "flow-block."
How can a writer keep the word river flowing?
#11143:
January 19, 2022
by
Annette
Organization Matters
We are all tasked to organize most things in life. Let's apply that to writing also.
What do you do to organize your writing projects?
#11162:
January 12, 2022
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
One, er, Seven Plots to Rule Them All
How many different plots are there, really?
Do you plot first, or create characters first?
#11157:
January 05, 2022
by
fyn
Words: What we have to work with ...
Where they began, how they've changed, and what they might have originally meant!
What are some of your favorite words?
#11140:
December 29, 2021
by
Vivian
Start the New Year with Contests
Entering writing in competition is a good way to learn and improve.
Want a chance to win fame and fortune?
#11115:
December 15, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Describing Characters
Describing Characters without interrupting the story
What to leave out, what to leave in?
#11106:
December 08, 2021
by
fyn
Holiday Magic
Memories...
What is your favorite holiday memory?
#11094:
December 01, 2021
by
Vivian
Grammar in Writing IS Important
Grammar is an important foundation for good writing
Why grammar?
#11074:
November 17, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Writing What Readers Don't Skip
Info-dumps kill stories. Setting is important, but how do you describe the setting without an info-dump?
How can you avoid using info-dumps when setting a scene?
#11061:
November 10, 2021
by
fyn
Agglomeration of Miscellaneous Thoughts
Bits and pieces, a potpourri of thoughts to share
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?
#11013:
October 27, 2021
by
Annette
Can You See it?
Storytelling is tasked to show instead of tell.
Is "show don't tell" and old hat or something that needs to be followed without question?
#11030:
October 20, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Meanings In Fiction
Different levels of meaning in fiction
Does a story have to be true to be real?
#11023:
October 13, 2021
by
fyn
Observations: On A Road Trip
Somewhere in southern Indianna, we passed through a portal...
What's the best road trip you've ever been on?
#11006:
October 06, 2021
by
Vivian
Online - Open Borders
New online features open up possibilities for authors
How can one attend if one can't travel?
#10991:
September 29, 2021
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
When "I" opens the eye
Using the first person to understand someone's motives.
How inexplicable - why would they do that?
#10982:
September 22, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Patterns
Patterns, even when subliminal, enhance reader experience.
Why is it a "rule of three" instead of a "rule of seven" or some other number?
#10978:
September 15, 2021
by
fyn
'Talking Story'
Ask to hear them, listen well.
What's a favorite story your older relatives told you?
#10969:
September 08, 2021
by
Vivian
Revise! Revise! Revise!
Revising is the other half of writing
What? I'm supposed to revise my golden words?
#10941:
September 01, 2021
by
Annette
Our Tradition
The next seven days are dedicated to the party.
How many years does it take for something to be called a tradition?
#10939:
August 25, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Writers' Writing Rules
Famous authors give advice on writing.
What does your favorite author say about how to write?
#10935:
August 18, 2021
by
fyn
What's In A Word?
Choosing a word that fits the sentence is more than making sense; it is a choice to bring power to your words.
What's one of your best sentences or phrases?
#10916:
August 11, 2021
by
Vivian
Espionage for writers
Make thrillers or military mysteries realistic
What does espionage mean to writers?
#10906:
August 04, 2021
by
Annette
Nice and Quiet in the Library
Storytelling without anyone telling anything is possible.
What happens if you take a big red balloon into the library and pop it?
#10893:
July 28, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Easter Eggs
Some fun Easter Eggs in popular media
What's your favorite Easter Egg?
#10887:
July 21, 2021
by
fyn
Research is Your Friend
It comes in handy!
What is the oddest thing you've ever researched?
#10871:
July 14, 2021
by
Vivian
Building a Writer's Platform
To be as successful as possible, a writer needs a platform.
Platform, what's a platform?
#10865:
July 07, 2021
by
Dawn Embers
Stress for Writers
At times stress can be helpful and at others, it can be a struggle.
How do you handle stress?
#10849:
June 30, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Aha, She Thought...
Direct Discourse, Indirect Discourse, and Free Indirect Discourse
Who is your favorite Mondernist author?
#10844:
June 23, 2021
by
fyn
The Unexpected Calamities
When Murphy reigns and you just need to go along for the ride.
Have you ever put a character through a scenario you've experienced?
#10813:
June 16, 2021
by
Vivian
Market that Book
Writing a book is only the first step in the journey
After the book ends, what does an author do next?
#10793:
June 09, 2021
by
Annette
The Spoken Word
Write like you talk.
Would you say, "I cannot do that." or "I can't do that."
#10791:
June 02, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Making Scents
Adding scents adds intimacy
Does your fiction smell?
#10789:
May 26, 2021
by
fyn
Wild & Wonderful World of Words
Words for all the things you might never have known have names!
What are some of your favorite words? Why?
#10771:
May 19, 2021
by
Vivian
Don't Give Your Book Away
Giving excerpts from your book away isn't good
Why give your children, uh, books away?
#10709:
May 12, 2021
by
Annette
Outline!
The exclamation mark makes this an imperative. It's not a sentence, it's an appeal.
Pantsers: would you try to make an outline?
#10741:
May 05, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Craft or Art?
Writing effective fiction involves both artistic creativity and mastery of craft.
Is effective fiction a product of craft or art?
#10739:
April 28, 2021
by
fyn
Criticism: Constructive or Otherwise.
Unless it is helpful, delivered in a helpful way, it isn't really helping anyone. :(
How do you feel when you get a review that doesn't have anything positive to say?
#10721:
April 21, 2021
by
Vivian
Crime Fiction from My Perspective
Mysteries include various sub-genre, such as crime fiction
Does a mystery always have a crime?
#10706:
April 14, 2021
by
Annette
Plot Holes Begone!
Techniques for Avoiding Holes in Your Plot.
How do you avoid plot holes in narration?
#10695:
April 07, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Annoying Writing Tasks
Writing the Synopsis, teaser, and blurb
I can write a novel, so why is writing a synopsis so blamed hard?
#10689:
March 31, 2021
by
fyn
Details Matter
Action moves a story forward, but the details are what brings it to life.
Who's your all-time favorite author and why?
#10678:
March 24, 2021
by
Vivian
Suspense Needed to Make Adventure Work
Adventure doesn't work without suspense
Is adventure one fight, one car chase after another?
#10667:
March 17, 2021
by
Dawn Embers
Feeling Overwhelmed
It can be easy to get overwhelmed with deadlines and ideas.
Does you ever feel overwhelmed when it comes to writing?
#10627:
March 10, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Brush Up Your Tense
When does the action in your story happen?
What's the past perfect of "beware?" Hint: it's a trick question.
#10642:
March 03, 2021
by
fyn
Reflections ...
Lessons learned in sixteen years here at WDC.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned on site?
#10621:
February 24, 2021
by
Vivian
Writing for Children Isn't Easy
Too many people think writing for children is an easy job -- It's not
Children don't need stories with good plots and characters, right?
#10609:
February 17, 2021
by
Annette
Read the Tea Leaves
Predicting the future is so Cassandra, only worse.
Which one of your prophecies came true, but worse?
#10601:
February 10, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Sense or Nonsense
How can a sentence be both true and literal nonsense?
Does it matter if the youthful Washington really said, "I cannot tell a lie"?
#10597:
February 03, 2021
by
fyn
Simmering ...
A soup or stew is always better on the third day. So too, for word stews and story soups!
Do you let your stories simmer allowing for flavors to become?
#10587:
January 27, 2021
by
Vivian
Reviews: Writing, Helping, and Learning
Writing a review of another's work helps improve writing skills and promotes stories and books
To review or not to review, that's not the question: How does one review?
#10561:
January 20, 2021
by
THANKful Sonali LOVES DAD
The Sins of the Writer
Sales of a popular book series plummet due to a controversial remark on social media.
Does current controversy affect already existing work?
#10553:
January 13, 2021
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
The Phatic Maxim
Some conversations convey information; phatic conversation is information-free and serves to lubricate social exchange.
When characters speak, does what they say have a fictional purpose other than conveying information?
#10549:
January 06, 2021
by
fyn
Janus - The Doorway To Tomorrow!
According to some philosophers, the month of January is derived from Janus, the god of doorways.
Janus is considered to be two-faced - are we not all that way when standing on the threshold?
#10534:
December 30, 2020
by
Vivian
New Year or Boo Year
How we can face a new year with goals that can be met.
Do we cheer or boo 2021?
#10484:
December 23, 2020
by
Annette
Do As Much As You Can
With a new year breathing down our necks, the pressure to come up with lofty plans is upon us.
Shouldn't it really say, "Do ONLY as much as you can." ?
#10510:
December 16, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
The Units of Fiction
Understanding Scenes, Chapters, and Scene/Sequel Pairs.
What are the units of effective fiction?
#10509:
December 09, 2020
by
fyn
Christmas Treasures
Unearthing the past to write in the future!
What's your favorite Christmas memory?
#10497:
December 02, 2020
by
Vivian
A Few Editing Tips
Editing our own work or writing by others frightens many people, so here are a few helpful tips to make it easier.
Should I edit or ignore?
#10409:
November 25, 2020
by
Annette
The Missing Review
So many words, so little content.
How much of your reviews is fluff?
#10467:
November 18, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Writing Groups
What I've learned about Writing Groups
If you've got talent, why join a writing group?
#10457:
November 11, 2020
by
fyn
Day of the Veterans
Veteran writing, writing for and about veterans and remembering.
No question - today is the day to thank a veteran!
#10455:
November 04, 2020
by
Vivian
Including Intelligence Info in Writing
If one uses any intelligence information in writing, he needs to know where to obtain correct material
Do you use intelligence in writing?
#10436:
October 28, 2020
by
Dawn Embers
The Strangeness of Endings and NaNoWriMo
A look at writing endings and how strange it is to reach quick when writing a novel in a month.
Which story (yours/others) has your favorite ending?
#10422:
October 21, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Anticipation
The role of anticipation, suspense, and conflict in creating tension in fiction.
What's your favorite example of suspense in a novel?
#10418:
October 14, 2020
by
fyn
Journal Journeys
Not just mere words on a page...
Do you journal and what have you learned from it?
#10398:
October 07, 2020
by
Vivian
Children Love Action -- in books, too
Children should enjoy listening or reading.
How can you bore children?
#10393:
September 30, 2020
by
Dawn Embers
The Art of the Side Hustle
A look at the concept of side hustles (jobs) for writers and characters.
Is writing your side hustle/job? Does your character have to do extra work on the side?
#10374:
September 23, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Movies and Fiction Writing
What Can We Learn from Watching Movies?
What's the difference between watching a movie and reading a story?
#10371:
September 16, 2020
by
fyn
Are You A Writer? Why?
Sometimes you need to step back and evaluate just why you write in the first place!
When did you know?
#10353:
September 09, 2020
by
Vivian
The Suspense Is Killing Me
A little suspense adds spice to all writing, keeps the reader interested.
Why all the suspense?
#10339:
September 02, 2020
by
Annette
Building Characters
From the hip or with a list
How do you build your characters?
#10335:
August 26, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
First Words
Three simple rules for more effective opening paragraphs.
How do you make readers want to read the rest of your story?
#10328:
August 19, 2020
by
fyn
Humuhumunukunu....whaaaa?
Using things, words and phrases that are specific to the locale/people in your tale
Do you know what a humuhumunukunukuapuaa' is?
#10305:
August 05, 2020
by
Annette
Write For Fun
Be your own biggest fan.
If you don't love it, why should they love it?
#10288:
July 29, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Folklore
Folktales can inspire stories of all types. Using elements of folktales can help stories resonate with readers.
What's your favorite story that's based on a folktale?
#10285:
July 22, 2020
by
fyn
Observations on a New World Dawnings
Out and about while seeing through new lenses
How do you react to ridiculous people?
#10267:
July 15, 2020
by
Vivian
Writing about Grief
Writing about grief takes special insight
How can one reveal the suffering from grief?
#10256:
July 08, 2020
by
Annette
Be Your Own Best Writing Buddy
Take yourself by the hand to a place of writing.
Who can write for you?
#10243:
July 01, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
One Plot to Rule Them All
The three-act structure is powerful, pervasive, and easy to apply once you understand it.
What's the three act structure anyway? How can I use it to make my stories more powerful?
#10241:
June 24, 2020
by
fyn
Crastination
Trying and failing to stay focused - IE; being easily sidetracked. I'm a Pro!
Ever taken the circuitous route?
#10223:
June 17, 2020
by
Vivian
The Flash Flashes Back
A flashback can be a helpful writing tool or a disaster
Why flash back or not flash back?
#10216:
June 10, 2020
by
Annette
Authors are Writers First
The many ways aspiring authors explore writing before publishing.
What's in your first draft?
#10199:
June 03, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
How To Write A Novel
You don't write your novel, you discover it.
Do you have a process for writing? Do you stick with it, or adjust it to your work in progress?
#10195:
May 27, 2020
by
fyn
Grand Openings - RE
When the world opens again...
Aside from this current state of events - what's your 'stop you in your tracks' moment?
#10180:
May 20, 2020
by
Vivian
Grammar - the foundation of good writing
Grammar creates the foundation an author needs for good writing
What does grammar have to do with writing?
#10167:
May 13, 2020
by
Dawn Embers
It Has to End
A look at the writing process, reaching an ending and some inspiration from a discussion on the general forums.
How do you get to the ending of your stories?
#10154:
May 06, 2020
by
Max Griffin 🏳️🌈
Characters
Some techniques to make your characters more compelling
What makes a compelling character?