One of the most common (and difficult) questions I’m asked is “What do you write?” My answer goes something like this: “Uh…well…stuff…horror, I guess. Maybe sci-f, but not hard sci-fi. And fantasy! But not high fantasy. Urban fantasy? Maybe? But no vampires. Unless it’s horror. But my novel is Young Adult. Kind of paranormal. Only […]
4 Tips for Writing a Flashback
Flashbacks can be a very useful too for introducing a character’s backstory or revealing secrets about him to the reader. But when used improperly, a flashback can make a reader groan, skip ahead, or even put a book down for good. So what is the best way to use a flashback? It may depend on […]
Three Simple Rules for Using Adjectives
I turned into Crazy Dad last night while reading a book to my six-year-old. A reoccurring behavioral issue finally pushed me over the edge after it happened for the fifth time before I could finish a single page. I slammed the book shut, placed it on my lap, and shouted “I can’t take it anymore! […]
10 Things to Remember When You’re Down About Writing
Feeling down about your writing? Feeling like you’re never going to reach any of you writing goals? Feel like your dreams of becoming a successful writer are slipping by you with every passing day? Feel like, no matter how hard you push it, nothing seems to work and everything just keeps getting the way? Well […]
3 Fantasy clichés I found in my writing (and 2 more you should avoid)
I go through phases all the time when it comes to music, to reading, and even to writing. Right now, I’ve really been trying to write more fantasy. It’s not easy, since this isn’t my number one genre. In fact, other than dabbling in a little bit of urban fantasy, I haven’t written much fantasy […]
Creating a Fantasy Magic System
To continue on yesterday’s theme of worldbuilding and fantasy, I thought it would be appropriate to talk a little about magic. Or Magick as the kids like to spell it sometimes. But whichever way you prefer to label your spells, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll be including them in your fantasy novel. Spellcasting […]
You’re Writing Fantasy. Forget the “Rules” and make your own.
I was trying to work on a fantasy novel the other night, and instead ended up spending something like six hours researching tools used in medieval farming. Because, you know, all fantasy needs to take place in a world that could realistically pass for thirteenth century western Europe, right? And then it hit me. What […]
Three Upcoming Writing Conferences
Long-time readers know that I’m a sucker for a good writing conference. I love the energy, community, education, and opportunities they provide for writers of all experience levels. And if you’re a new writer and are on the fence about whether or not a conference is worth the price of admission, let me assure you […]
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