I’ve been thinking about characters a lot recently. Usually, that type of free association wondering opens up a gate to my favourite way of developing projects and ideas: asking questions. How, as writers, we create characters, build them, nurture them, find stories for them or simply let them go when there isn’t enough love to…
writing tips
Writing Down the Bones
“Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg is one of my favourite books. I’ve read it several times and each time I re-read it, I seem to discover something new, exciting, and inspirational, while expanding my understanding of the writing process even further. Natalie’s spiritual approach to writing resonates with me on so many levels;…
Choose to Commit to Writing No Matter What
2. You have to be willing to give it as long as it takes. So, commit yourself and don’t pay any attention to attention-grabbing headlines about 20 under 20 etc. This kind of comparison can only have a negative impact. 3. Let yourself burn, let yourself want something bad. It’s a life force. It is…
10 Writing Tips How to Get Unstuck When You Don’t Know What to Do
1. Keep your hand moving. Regardless of your doubts and insecurities try to keep on writing, even though you think that what you’ve written makes no sense. 2. Lose control, don’t censor or edit your own writing, keep on writing whatever comes to your mind. 3. Be specific. Write a very specific description of a…
A Little Bit More About the Characters
Without strong and real characters, your story will have no framework to be built around. It’s worth investing time in developing and getting to know your characters. Even after your first draft, you will still have plenty of time to get to know your characters and change them, in case they don’t seem real or…
Margaret Atwood Shares Her Top Tips for Writers (Part 3)
Margaret Atwood is an author of more than 40 books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her most prominent work, to name a few, include: “The Blind Assassin”, “Oryx and Crake”, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Alias Grace”. 1. When you are happy with your manuscript, it’s time for you to hand it over to your trusted…
Margaret Atwood Shares Her Top Tips for Writers (Part 2)
Margaret Atwood is an author of more than 40 books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her most prominent work, to name a few, include: “The Blind Assassin”, “Oryx and Crake”, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Alias Grace”. 1. You need to be kind to yourself and give yourself breaks from typing. Margaret suggests taking a walk…
Margaret Atwood Shares Her Top Tips for Writers (Part 1)
Margaret Atwood is an author of more than 40 books of fiction, poetry and critical essays. Her most prominent work, to name a few, include: “The Blind Assassin”, “Oryx and Crake”, “The Handmaid’s Tale”, “Alias Grace”. 1. Storytelling is one of the oldest things which humans do. 2. According to Margaret, a novel is a…
Judy Blume the Best-Selling Author for Books for Younger Readers Shares Her Writing Tips (Part 2)
Judy Blume won more than 90 literary awards and has been the best-selling author for books for younger readers. Her best- known works include: “Are You There, God?”. “It’s Me, Margaret”, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing”, “Deenie”, and “Blubber”. 1. Judy believes that a story should start on the day when something unexpected and…
Judy Blume the Best-Selling Author for Books for Younger Readers Shares Her Writing Tips (Part 1)
Judy Blume won more than 90 literary awards and has been the best-selling author for books for younger readers. Her best- known works include: “Are You There, God?”. “It’s Me, Margaret”, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing”, “Deenie”, and “Blubber”. 1. The only way to learn how to write is to practice, and that takes time….