Laura Cayouette

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Writers/Readers

Writers/Readers

Writing process insights – construct a first draft before writing a word – create dynamic, individualized characters – and avoid writer’s block!

Losing my muse

Losing my muse

For some of us, a particular person becomes our "muse" somewhere along our journey. Uma Thurman famously inspired and co-created The Bride in Kill Bill with Quentin Tarantino. Givenchy designed with Audrey Hepburn's playful elegance in mind. For me, it's been my best

Your one-sentence idea

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

How to go from idea to draft

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

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

I start every writing project with a pile

Listen to this newsletter:0:00/220.201333333333341× 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?

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? 0:00 /1:14 1×

Introducing the Writing Unblocked newsletter!

Introducing the Writing Unblocked newsletter!

I’ll be sharing lessons learned on the path from writing 1 book in 20 years to 5 books in 4 years. After getting my master’s in creative writing and English literature, I studied 3 years in the Writer’s Boot Camp screenwriting program, and spent 30 years meeting