Write every day. We hear it all the time, and it's great advice. It's important to turn writing into a habit so that it comes naturally to us and we have time set aside for it. But there's one danger of this mantra being pushed so hard, and it's one I've lived. What if there's … Continue reading Can We Always Write Every Day?
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4 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Writing
My career has been complicated, to say the least. I went through college certain that my career would be in music education, only to get fed up with district politics and state standards during my first year of teaching. I knew I couldn't stay another year, but I also didn't know what was next. I … Continue reading 4 Legitimate Ways to Make Money Writing
Reblog: Story Verbing Part 1 by Stephen Geez on Story Empire
Greetings, Story Empire mavens! Today’s post starts a two-parter on the nuances of choosing effective verbs to enhance description. Sure, it sounds simple, but you might be impressed with the possibilities. Per my pattern, this post starts with the basics so Part 2 next month will let us explore, play, experiment, brainstorm, innovate—pick some cool […] … Continue reading Reblog: Story Verbing Part 1 by Stephen Geez on Story Empire
Breakthrough: a sci-fi flash fiction story
Gothilim was shielded. Liala didn't care. “Clips, you ready to try again?” Liala reset the stabilisers and checked the integrity of the hammer. Her jaw worked faster, chewing an old wad of gum that had lost its flavour at least an hour ago. “Captain,” a voice crackled from above. Without looking, Liala sent her fist … Continue reading Breakthrough: a sci-fi flash fiction story
Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey: A Lesson on Writing Satire and Humour
Sometimes, the best writing tips of all come from simply reading books, which is one of the main reasons why I'm launching this under-appreciated classics series. Some of my all-time favourite books are ones that have mostly been lost to obscurity - but I think they have so much for us to learn. (Not to … Continue reading Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey: A Lesson on Writing Satire and Humour
Yes, You Should Practise Reading Aloud. Here’s Why!
Nowadays, you can get almost anything read to you at the touch of a button. Word processors can read. Almost every book also has an audiobook. The old days of reading aloud to kids or reading with family are fading away into history. But even with the ease of AI readers and audiobooks, reading aloud … Continue reading Yes, You Should Practise Reading Aloud. Here’s Why!
How to Journal If You Don’t Like Journaling
My middle school diary put me off journals forever. When I look back on the utter drama, the things I thought were so important but really weren't, I cringe. Hard. And I remember again why I'm waiting for the first opportunity to burn that thing. I will never look with fondness on my past thoughts, … Continue reading How to Journal If You Don’t Like Journaling
The Pros of Small-Scale Fantasy
When we think of fantasy, we often think of huge, epic quests to save the world. Defeat the dark lord, restore the light, and bring peace to the entire land. But sometimes, fantasy can - and should - be small-scale. While reading The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson after my fiction fast, I was … Continue reading The Pros of Small-Scale Fantasy
Roll With It: Pushing Through Unexpected Challenges
Do you ever have perfect plans that disintegrate right before your eyes, and it's no fault of your own? Do you ever set exciting goals, only to watch them become unachievable due to new and unexpected circumstances? Just as we talked about when it comes to our resolutions, it's annoying when this happens - and … Continue reading Roll With It: Pushing Through Unexpected Challenges
Top 5 Writing Tips…According to AI
Since I wrote a post last month musing about AI writing software, I was finally able to use it for myself - although ChatGPT still won't let me in. I got past the "the server's full" page this time, it checked I was human (which I find hilarious), and then it loaded. And then it … Continue reading Top 5 Writing Tips…According to AI