Write what you know?
If you've studied writing at all, you've probably heard the adage, "Write what you know." It's wisdom passed from the greats and it's undoubtedly good advice. Until it isn't.
When I was getting my master's in
The power of working backward
People say, "Hindsight is 20/20," meaning that even the most confusing moments and choices look perfectly clear once you've gotten through to the other side. I have excellent news - writers have the gift of hindsight! Writers know when someone is making a choice that
Your one-sentence idea
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step (Lao Tzu). Every story begins with an idea. When that idea can be expressed in one sentence (or so), you already have the seeds of your entire project. In movies, we call this one-sentence idea a logline (sometimes spelled
How to go from idea to draft
Step-by-step method for going from a one-sentence idea to a draft of your story – before sitting down to write.
Summer reading and writing
Whether you spend the summer reading, writing, or both – summer is a great time to slow down a bit and take stock. Summer can also be a time for inventory, organization, and rebuilding.
I start every writing project with a pile
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Every writing project starts with an idea. While the idea is percolating, some writers have a habit of writing notes on napkins, scraps of paper, even the palm of their hand. Others tell their story ideas to friends or anyone who will
You have a great idea! …Now what?
Every project starts with an idea. Most books start with a GREAT idea – an idea so compelling, you want to spend the time and energy it would take to turn it into something amazing. You may even be super excited to get started. Then what?
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