To be succesful at writing, I’ve come to believe that its more your ability to juggle, than anything else that will help you. But there’s a peculiar myth that runs through popular culture—the idea that success boils down to one secret, one golden rule, one repeatable habit that will unlock greatness. Ask a Hollywood starContinueContinue reading “The Myth of the ‘One Piece of Advice’”
Tag Archives: workshops
Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts
Writing dialogue can be one of the most challenging aspects of storytelling. Well-crafted dialogue brings characters to life, advances the plot, and engages readers. Poor dialogue drags, bores, disconnects your reader from your character and derails your reader’s experience. To help you master the art of dialogue, here are some dos and don’ts I haveContinueContinue reading “Mastering Dialogue: Dos and Don’ts”
How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks
Editing, is actually one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s where your rough draft is polished into something professional, compelling, and clear. But what is the best way to optimize your editing time? I’ve come to an approach through trial and error, and I hope these tips and tricks will help you refine yourContinueContinue reading “How to Edit Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks”
The Top Practical and Inspirational Writing Craft Books that I Read in 2024
I tend to read a lot of craft books. Last year I made a list of 20 craft books I had read giving just a one-line impression of each. It’s here if you want to give that one a look. The best thing about doing that was I got a ton of messages from peopleContinueContinue reading “The Top Practical and Inspirational Writing Craft Books that I Read in 2024”
Year In Review 2024
For the last two years in December, I have written a ‘Year in Review’ post, and here is this year’s. The main purpose of the original post was to convince myself that although I had not published my first novel, nor even got an agent, I had achieved something in the sphere of writing. ThisContinueContinue reading “Year In Review 2024”
Personal Reflections on ReaderCon 33
I attended ReaderCon again this year and, other than a few missteps with the registration/online check-in process the con appeared to go smoothly this year. I thought I would give a few of my lasting thoughts from it here. I started off attending a workshop on writing physical action. I think the main take awayContinueContinue reading “Personal Reflections on ReaderCon 33”
Reading Like a Writer: Unveiling the Secrets of Craft
For writers especially, reading isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s a powerful tool for us to refine our craft. But how do you do this? When you read like a writer, you should delve deeper into the mechanics of storytelling, character development, and language use. Here’s some tips people have shared with me, on how toContinueContinue reading “Reading Like a Writer: Unveiling the Secrets of Craft”
Creating Your Own DIY Writers Workshop
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,ContinueContinue 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 conferenceContinueContinue reading “Navigating Writing Conferences as an Introvert”
Writers: Do Your own Thing
All of the typical goals we have as beginning writers – writing for publication in a magazine, or to win a writing contest, push us to follow convention. To look at what exists, what has won, what has been published by that magazine, and make something that will win over the same editor. In otherContinueContinue reading “Writers: Do Your own Thing”
Gideon P. Smith 