Stuck for a way to begin writing? Describing a photograph may break a stalemate. Friend and muse, Katherine Key, snapped this compelling photo along a Western Colorado Trail. Inspired by this photograph, a description can be literal, as shown below. Or lyrical, as the final example suggests. Either approach will get the juices flowing. A…
Author: Don Paul Benjamin
Head-hopping: a two-fold essay
Part 1 At the risk of drifting into the realm of technical writing tips, I’ll take a moment to examine the phenomenon of “head-hopping.” Loosely defined, the term refers to the practice, in a single scene, of beginning to tell a story from one character’s (say, one rabbit’s) point-of-view; then suddenly hopping to another rabbit’s…
When to write?
Many serious authors establish and maintain a set schedule for writing. The timing is generally a product of their family/work schedule. Working folks may be obliged to write on weekends, or early in the morning or late at night, before and after work, respectively. Retired individuals have more flexibility—perhaps too much—because those with extra time…
Fog Emergency
So, COVID came to call on July 7. Initial symptoms passed quickly with medication and rest, but brain-fog and fatigue lingered for just short of two months. During that time, I ceased all writing activities–including this blog. Which is why I missed my deadline. During recovery, I couldn’t entertain more than one muddled thought at…
Titular Tenting
When I write a first draft, I always give each chapter a title. Even something as trite as ‘How I Spent My Summer Vacation’ serves to focus and guide the writing. Think of each title as a separate tent into which you’re going to place a set of related ideas. When those tents are assembled…