What to Cut When Editing Your Story

“Everything that doesn’t advance the plot or reveal characterization.” Now to pat myself on the back and throw my laptop in front of a train. I never liked this shallow advice — as factual and aggravating as it is. Its distillation leaves out nuances in the determination. What’s the proportional focus of your story’s plot … Continue reading What to Cut When Editing Your Story →

Adding Your Interests to Your Writing

Intentional or osmosis, plots to fine details, your interests, hobbies, areas of academic study, and every aspect of your life shape your story. Unavoidable, it must be handled with care to gain maximum impact while acknowledging the common pitfalls. I’m writing a long piece about an army officer which is influenced by my interest in … Continue reading Adding Your Interests to Your Writing →

Crafting a Timeless Story

I’ve been reading War and Peace and despite the story being over a hundred and fifty years old, it holds up. Caught in the sheer word count and age of the story, I thought it’d be a drag but I’m happy that isn’t the case. Through reading the story (and in full disclosure I’m still … Continue reading Crafting a Timeless Story →

Hit the Ground Running

How to start a story strong (and not trip up)

How to Take Writing Advice

I’ve picked back up Steven King’s On Writing after a long hiatus and slipped into several trappings I incur when taking advice. I placed a filter between myself and the words on the page, the same I use whenever I read any book to the detriment of my enjoyment. I say to myself, “I did … Continue reading How to Take Writing Advice →

How to Flesh Out a Scene

Put Some Meat on those Bones

Eureka Thief

After excitedly retelling your completely never before seen idea to your friend they reply back with, “Oh yeah, that sounds a lot like Harry Potter. I loved those books.” How do you react? Do you ignore your friend? Do you fume? Fear? Not every idea you’ll have will be original. By my estimate, I can … Continue reading Eureka Thief →

Rickety Tickety Soapbox

Where the story stops and the author doesn't.

Come On, You Know What I’m Talking About

The reference is a powerful, yet often unwittingly misused tool in the writer’s belt. The right reference in the right time and context can leave an audience rolling with laughter or if everything go awry, scratching their scalps bloody. As the name implies, a reference is the act of bringing up an event, concept, saying, … Continue reading Come On, You Know What I’m Talking About →

Cabin Fever Blues

And yes this is normally a writing blog. But there’s little normalcy to enjoy in these times. Hunker down. Adapt. Most of all, live. It feels an anachronism to experience a massive outbreak of disease; like a story your grandparents would tell about their parents and grandparents was suddenly projected onto a big screen, full … Continue reading Cabin Fever Blues →