Wednesday, May 6, 2009
May 2009 archive
If you’ve never visited the Storymind.com website because you don’t think you can learn anything from screenwriters, think again.
Melanie Anne Phillips, co-creator of the Dramatica program, has all kinds of fantastic advice for writers and screenwriters alike on her site.
One of the articles I like best features an array of tips for writers, all across the board. Do yourself a favor after reading it and check out some of the other articles on the site. You won’t regret it!
A Novelist’s Bag of Tricks by Melanie Anne Phillips at http://www.storymind.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
5/6 WIP Tip
Fiction writers and screen writers may be different creatures, but we share many of the same elements. Today, think how your setting(s) come to life in your story. Are you making the most of the locales in your story? How could you make the first setting more like a character?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
5/5 WIP Tip
One thing we discussed at great length at our writer’s retreat this weekend was that ideas literally come from everywhere. Get yourself a notebook to carry with you everywhere to jot down random snippets and ideas as the universe gives them to you. You might not remember the witty banter at the coffee shop or the way the sunlight hit the flowers this morning when you settle down to write next week.
Monday, May 4, 2009
5/4 WIP Tip
Writing friends and colleagues I haven’t seen in a while were my inspiration this weekend at our writer’s retreat. If you have a colleague, partner or just someone who supports your writing, send them a short note or email of appreciation today.
Being mindful and grateful for their contribution to your creativity–and your telling them so–will make you smile.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
5/3 WIP Tip Sunday
Because behind every writer is an impressive set of goals…
Make a writing plan for the upcoming week. Take into account your schedule and obligations. How many words or pages will you finish?
Share your goals as comments so we can cheer you on. You can do it!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Give Your Creativity a Feng Shui Boost
I read. A lot. In fact, my 8th grade language arts class considers me the biggest nerd they’ve ever met, because when they’re reading something, I’m always reading with them. I wear that title like a badge of honor 
One topic I love reading about is how other disciplines and areas of life view creativity and the writing process. What a treat today to find an article by Vicky White, a Feng Shui guru I totally admire on how the creative process can be enhanced by some good, simple Feng Shui actions.
Even if you don’t know Feng Shui (I’m no expert), it’s really good, solid, smart advice on how to get unstuck and get your writing back on track. I can’t wait to implement a few of her ideas in my writing space soon.
Read it yourself: Green Skies and Purple Cows…Connect to Your Creative Muse at Vicky White’s Life Design Strategies blog.
Have you ever tried Feng Shui-ing your creative space? What helps get your creativity moving? We’d love to know! Leave a comment…
Saturday, May 2, 2009
5/2 WIP Tip Saturday
Saturday WIP Tip…
Published author? Click on the “For Authors” tab above and request 1, 2 or all four author interviews for WIP readers. We’ll send them off and schedule your responses as an upcoming post. Feel free to pass us along to your other published friends. Everyone loves an author interview!
Unpublished author? Click on the “Contact Me” tab above and send me your most pressing writing questions. Craft, business, creativity…hit me with your best shot! I’ll use your questions as upcoming posts.
Friday, May 1, 2009
5/1 WIP Tip
I’m off to a writer’s retreat this weekend and leading a brainstorming workshop tonight.
What is your favorite method of brainstorming?
As always, leave your response as a comment. Sharing is often the best way to get fresh ideas!
Friday, May 1, 2009
How To: Set Freelance Fees
One writing question I’ve gotten several times from readers is on how to set your freelance fees. Whether you’re just starting out, branching into a new area or established but curious, it’s always good to have some background knowledge in the subject.
I’d planned to write a series on this but the insightful Anne Wayman at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com did such a good job, I’m going to share her link with you.
Want to know how to set freelance fees? Check out her Setting Freelance Fees series at aboutfreelancewriting.com. And get back to the writing!
It's pretty simple, really. I'm a writer who loves writing about writing, and sharing all the tricks of the trade with other writers. And when I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing. I have a hunch you know what I mean :)