When I read a story, I usually try to avoid criticizing it too much while I am reading it. Aside from noticing glaring errors, I generally try to give the writer the benefit of the doubt and enjoy the story that is there. This makes it more enjoyable to read the book, but it doesn't help improve my own writing. To improve my writing, I like to break down the books that I really enjoy reading to see what it is that that particular author does to make the book work that way. This process can be … [Read more...]
Apr 24, 2013
Writing Exercise: Writing Blind
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Sometimes I like to try writing exercises just for fun. I feel like they can be very helpful, because they force to to write in a way that you normally wouldn't. I've shared a lot of different writing tips on Daily Mayo (the closet description is one of my favorites), but I don't think I've ever shared this one before. For this exercise, close your eyes and imagine you are blind. You've never been able to see anything. What you have to go on for you experience of the world are simply … [Read more...]
Apr 17, 2013
Writing Motivation: Making It Happen
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You don't have to tell me how difficult it is to find time to write. I struggle every week with finding enough time to write. In fact, for years I hardly wrote anything fun because I felt like I simply didn't have the time. It was only until this year, actually, that I decided that if I wanted to get things done, I'd just have to do them- no excuses. This is how it has worked for me: A to-do list: I've always been a list person. For some reason, if it's on a list, I' m more likely to do … [Read more...]
Feb 29, 2012
Writing Exercise: Spark Your Imagination
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So I haven't posted a writing exercise in a while. So here's one for today: Look around you. What catches your imagination? It could be a sound, a sight, an object, or a person. Where I live, there is a homeless(?) guy who is tall, lanky and always has a lift in his step. I wonder about what his story is and why he is the way he is today. That could be the start for an interesting story. You might see something in your house, like the mess left behind by a pet or child that could spark your … [Read more...]
Dec 14, 2011
Writing Site: Daily Writing Tips
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Have you seen Daily Writing Tips? This site features a new writing tip each day to help you become a better writer one day at a time. Today the featured tip is about exceptions for hyphenated words. Very useful site! … [Read more...]
Nov 30, 2011
Quick Writing and Grammar Tips
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Need some quick writing or grammar tips? Visit Writer's Block and search their quick articles on tons of common grammar issues, such as when to use like vs such as or choosing a writing style. This site has some awesome resources for writers of all ages and styles! … [Read more...]
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