It's been five years, and I'm still trying to perfect my recipe for an earl grey latte. It sounds so easy. Tea. Milk. Sweetener (I like honey). Lavender, if you're feeling it (which I usually am). But it's the proportions that get me. Even after so many tries, I still haven't quite gotten it right. … Continue reading Elusive Inspiration Part 2: Seeking Memories
Writing Tips
Reblog: The Benefits of a Blogging Break by Myths of the Mirror
I’m heading out to explore some volcanos. Life’s been pretty hectic these past few months as my parents’ health continues to decline and obligations pile up. I’m good at not sweating the small stuff, but not everything can be ignored forever. Blogging Breaks seem to work miracles for me in avoiding burnout and reinvigorating my […]The … Continue reading Reblog: The Benefits of a Blogging Break by Myths of the Mirror
Character Creation Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore
Characters. They're the most important part of the story, right? They are to me. I believe that for a story to be truly great, it needs to have great characters that the reader can relate to and enjoy reading about. Otherwise, you're left with a useless plot and no characters to reach out and bring … Continue reading Character Creation Doesn’t Have to Be a Chore
The Write Stuff
Many people don't think about tools when it comes to writing. All you need is a laptop or a pen and paper and you're good, right? As writers, we know that's wrong. If we want to be successful and efficient at our craft, there are certain tools that are good to have. With Christmas being … Continue reading The Write Stuff
Pacing That Ending
Oh, if only there were a way to avoid writing endings. While they are, of course, instrumental, impactful, and the main takeaway for your readers, they're also hard. You have a lot to wrap up: your plot, your character's journey, your themes... It's one of the most difficult parts of writing a story. Since good … Continue reading Pacing That Ending
Take a Break: Why You Shouldn’t Write Every Day
We are writers. That means we’re determined, stubborn, and often living in our imagination. When we have a story idea, we go for it wholeheartedly. When we’re not plotting or writing, we’re daydreaming about upcoming scenes in our current WIP. Being a writer can very easily be life-consuming—and by that I mean it doesn’t just … Continue reading Take a Break: Why You Shouldn’t Write Every Day
Elusive Inspiration
As I’m meeting more writers and delving into the writing community, I’m getting this question a lot: “Where do you get your inspiration/ideas from?” It’s a pretty broad question and one that’s difficult for me to answer. Ideas just seem to pop into my head at any given moment, not necessarily prompted by any one … Continue reading Elusive Inspiration
What’s in a Name?
You've just completed the most beautiful thing you've ever written in your life. You're so proud of this accomplishment, this work of art that poured out of you beginning with just a single idea. You go to post/submit it, when suddenly it hits you: You don't have a title!! The horror! You suddenly feel cold … Continue reading What’s in a Name?
The Writing Process (Part 4)
So, here we are at the end of a series where we took a look at my writing process. You've read the completed short story, you've gone with me on my journey, and now it's time to recap everything we went through! As I said in my very first post, there are really valuable lessons … Continue reading The Writing Process (Part 4)
Don’t Just Write a Book
Yep, you read that right, and I'll say it again. Please, don't just write a book. This probably goes against so many things you've heard, all of the people saying, "Do it! Go for it!" And yes, while you should absolutely chase your writing dreams... ...that doesn't start with writing a book. Driving a Car … Continue reading Don’t Just Write a Book
E.J. Robison 