WRITING MANTRAS
( culture / writing / advice )

No, not how to write a mantra. I mean here are a couple of mantras to keep in mind: 1) Most stories are about having something, losing it, and finding it again; 2) Just explain (clearly and concisely) WHAT HAPPENED, and keep it RELATABLE and INTERESTING.... read more

STILL MORE ADVICE FOR WRITERS
( culture / writing / advice )

I came across this video last night and thought, Yes! Thank you! This guy (and Lee Child) share my disagreement with the saying, Show, Don't Tell. As Child puts it, You tell a story. You don't show a story. That saying might apply to visual story-telling such as film and TV, not so much the written word.Anyway, here's the link to ... read more

ELEMENTS OF A STORY
( culture / writing / advice )

They say... What are the main ELEMENTS OF A STORY? Setting; Character; Plot; Conflict; Theme; Point-of-view; Tone; Style;And I know they're not saying which one should come before the next, but I would put Character first, then Conflict, Tone, Point-of-View, Theme. Plot, Style and Setting come last. : Elements of a StoryNew Rules for Writers... read more

INGREDIENTS OF A NOVEL
( culture / writing / advice )

VARIOUS WRITERS' RULES Write a draft. Then let it rest. -- Stephen King;Read a lot. -- King;Never use a long word when a short one will do. -- George Orwell;Never use the passive voice when you can use the active voice. -- Orwell;Know and understand your audience. -- Pierre Berton;Recycle and read the good stuff before you write. -- Berton;Hono... read more

MORE ADVICE FOR WRITERS
( culture / writing / advice )

People read fiction seeking clarity -- in the payoff at the end of the book -- so, one of the worst things a writer can do is to create confusion. People also read fiction for a taste of something better than their own reality. So, keep it clear and concise and, most importantly, interesting... without getting too implausible. It doesn't have t... read more

THOUGHTS ON WRITING
( culture / writing / advice )

Louis L'Amour once said he could write while sitting in the middle of the freeway. That didn't impress me at the time, but now it does.Not one, but two dogs threw up behind me as I wrote. Was that a commentary on my writing? Wouldn't be the first time.As I told these guys in the job interview, If you're wondering where I expect to ... read more

BEST AND WORST SELF-PUBLISHING SITES
( culture / writing / advice )

This is a good site showing who to trust (or not) when it comes to self-publishing: Self-Publishing Services Rated by the Alliance of Independent Authors New Rules for Writers -- Your Novel Blueprint -- Advice for Writing -- Writers Need Followers? -- Good Article About Storytelling -- Best and Worst Self-Publishing Sites -- Thoughts on Writing -- ... read more

WRITERS NEED FOLLOWERS?
( culture / writing / advice )

Publishers and writing gurus preach that writers need followers. The problem is that emotionally-stable people don't want followers. They want friends, compatriots, people who listen, not followers. Especially zombie followers. They're the worst! :)But seriously, I don't trust anyone who actively seeks followers.New Rules for Writers ... read more

ADVICE FOR WRITING
( culture / writing / advice )

A writer's narrative perspective (their voice, or, how they come across to their reader) must be: This is me talking to you. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not: This is me 100 years ago speaking in a classical voice. It's not: Speaking as if from professor to student or from adult to child. It's not: This is me ... read more

RULES FOR WRITERS
( culture / writing / advice )

Anis Shivani: New Rules For Writers: Ignore Publicity, Shun Crowds, Refuse Recognition And MoreThese rules totally go against every prescription for writing success you'll hear as a young new writer from all quarters: the conformity-driven MFA system, the publishing industry's hype-machine, successful writers who act either like prima ... read more