Once upon a time, I taught cartooning and storybook illustration to elementary school children. At our first class meeting, I came prepared with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and inanimate objects like a stapler, a bottle, and a cup. I lined these objects up on a raised box and invited the children to tell me…
Tag: writing tips
Getting Started
Write what you know. You can’t read a book written for the craft of writing without seeing these four words jump out at you as an answer on how to get started. In my case, I see those words and am torn. On the one hand I think, “Yes! I know things! I can do…
The Shams
All writers have a muse.
Prob’ly not. Although, Pandora provides String Quartet and Film Scores radio stations.
Whoa! Never Saw That Coming!
Great twists need plausibility. Don’t try to fool readers.
Book Ends
When writing, I begin each new novel by composing the last chapter first. Thus, I have a target toward which to steer my narrative. I often challenge myself by placing my characters as far as possible–emotionally and geographically–from the feeling and setting of my finale. Just to be clear, I’m not kidding when I declare…