There are lots of different kinds of writers' workshop. Some are intense 6 week in person retreats whereas others are an hour or two at a writers convention. Some are focused on novels, some on short stories, some on specific aspects of craft. And though there are many commercial versions (Clarion, Clarion West, Viable Paradise,Continue reading "Creating Your Own DIY Writers Workshop"
Navigating Writing Conferences as an Introvert
As I prepare to go to Readercon next week, this topic is heavily on my mind. Speaking personally, as an introvert, attending writing conferences can be both exhilarating and exhausting. They offer invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and gaining insights into the publishing world. Here are strategies to make the most of a writing conferenceContinue reading "Navigating Writing Conferences as an Introvert"
Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 3 (Reviews)
When I originally wrote this blog post it ended up too long for a single post, so I have split it up into 'groups' as I think of them, and will post them in sequence. Today, Reviews. If you are going to write, then almost certainly at some point you are going to have toContinue reading "Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 3 (Reviews)"
Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 2 (Critique Partners and Beta-readers)
When I originally wrote this blog post it ended up too long for a single post, so I have split it up into 'groups' as I think of them, and will post them in sequence. Today, Critique Partners and Beta-readers. If you are going to write, then almost certainly at some point you are goingContinue reading "Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 2 (Critique Partners and Beta-readers)"
Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 1 (Family and Friends)
If you are going to write, then almost certainly at some point you are going to have to share that work in some way with other people. Whether that is reading it to your kids, letting your significant other take a look, your best friend, your writing group, strangers on the internet with whom youContinue reading "Handling Reviews and Critiques: Part 1 (Family and Friends)"
Breaking Writer’s Block
I don't really get 'writer's block' but I do have problems with inertia at the start of writing sessions sometimes. Freewriting on something other than what you intend to write, or in a form (poem, list, computer program, crossword, etc) can sometimes unshackle the muse. So today, as I am blocked, I will now demonstrateContinue reading "Breaking Writer’s Block"
Elevate Your Stories: Embracing Creative Vision
When we compare our holiday snapshots of majestic landscapes to the breathtaking masterpieces captured by photographers like Ansel Adams, it's easy to feel a sense of inadequacy. Yet, if that's all we see in the comparison we're missing the most important point. Ansel Adams did it his way. But you too have something to offer.Continue reading "Elevate Your Stories: Embracing Creative Vision"
Types of Dialogue in Fiction: Enhancing Characters and Plot
Dialogue is the lifeblood of fiction, injecting vitality, depth, and personality into characters and stories. It's a versatile tool that can serve various purposes, from advancing the plot to revealing character traits and emotions. Dialogue can serve several different functions. Expository Dialogue: This type of dialogue serves to convey information to the reader in aContinue reading "Types of Dialogue in Fiction: Enhancing Characters and Plot"
Title Matters: How to Choose the Perfect Title for Your Short Story
A title is the gateway to a story's world. It's the first impression, the hook that draws readers in, and can be the first signal of 'tone' in your story. However, crafting the right title for your short story is challenging. So, how do you choose the perfect title? Here are a few things IContinue reading "Title Matters: How to Choose the Perfect Title for Your Short Story"
The Writer’s Journey: Crafting a Personal Roadmap to Writing Success
There is no official road map to becoming a successful writer (if I am mistaken on this point, and just no one told me about it - please share it now!). As a result, we are faced with a hundred different approaches and no guidance on which to take. Do we focus on building aContinue reading "The Writer’s Journey: Crafting a Personal Roadmap to Writing Success"
Gideon P. Smith 