These tips on getting your poetry into magazines, anthologies, or your own book of poems are from John C. Goodman. Not only has he published two collections of poetry, he wrote the non-fiction book, Poetry: Tools & Techniques. Here, Goodman describes the chances of getting your poetry published, and offers tips on breaking into the poetry [...]
Even the most talented, creative, brilliant writers won’t go far unless they know how to overcome the discouragement of getting rejection after rejection! Talent and creativity isn’t nearly as important as stick-to-it-iveness. Here’s what one poet recently said: “Lately, I’ve been struggling with writer’s block with my poetry,” says M. on my Ask a Question [...]
Using speech recognition software is a great way to become a more productive writer. These tips for writing with voice recognition software will help you to get the most from this tool. Before the tips, a quip: “The good writer, the great writer, has what I have called the three S’s: the power to see, [...]
Writing the first chapter of your novel – a killer first chapter – isn’t as easy as it looks. These five steps to writing Chapter One will wow your readers and keep them riveted. Before the tips, a quip: “The first chapter must open with a bang, hit the ground running, take no prisoners, grab [...]
Writers, do you struggle to find the time and energy to write? Who am I kidding – of course you do! Motivation, energy, and inspiration are both the bane and the backbone of a writer’s existence. I recently received a question from a reader who is struggling to write. And, I’m “coincidentally” reading a book [...]
Writers, no matter what your genre, you will face obstacles to writing. Use these tips to keep falling forward. In fact — say it out loud right now: “Writing obstacles, be gone!” And check out one of my all-time favorite quips: “It’s a sad day when you find out that it’s not accident or time [...]
On What Are the Best Writing Websites and Blogs? Why?, I asked for the best blogs about writing, and you answered! Here are a few writing blogs suggested by writers, plus a few reasons why those bloggers have something we all want: a ringing endorsement from a fellow scribe. Before the tips, a quip: “Writing is [...]
Why create character sketches before writing stories? To bring your fictional characters to life! These tips for sketching out the personalities, weaknesses, and strengths of the characters in your novel or short story will help you bring those “peeps” alive. Before the tips, a quip: “When writing a novel a writer should create living people… people, not [...]
Creating strong fiction characters involves knowing how to keep track of them. Learn what a character web is, and how to use it to track the relationships between your stock and dynamic characters. But first, learn how talented writers create fiction characters readers never forget… “Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under [...]
There isn’t one secret to knowing how to write a chapter of a book – there are many! Here’s what authors need to know about writing chapters – because writing a book is more than putting words to the page. Writing a book is about organizing your words into a compelling and interesting series of [...]
