Muse Elusive Cheryl Herbsman wrote a great post on the muse and how different writers approach the art of writing. She also included some links to other good ideas on the subject. Her post got me to thinking about this muse business again, so I did a bit of an Internet search to pull together some handy tips for calling those little minxes when you need one of them. That's not what I found, but I did find lots of tips for putting those thoughts down with or without Calliope, Erato, Melpomene, or Thalia on your shoulder. I guess if… Continue reading

I recently gave a writing workshop where we discussed character development. I came prepped with “get to know your character” activities. We became voyeurs as we snooped in MCs' purses, dressers, cars, and shopping carts. I had students create playlists for their characters as well. In the end, those who were stuck with their stories said these activities helped them. I was glad, but I have to confess something. I don't use these strategies.

Don't get me wrong. I think these techniques are useful, and plenty of authors swear by them. In fact, most authors I know… Continue reading

I recently challenged myself and other authors to write outside one's comfort zone. For example, if you normally write sci-fi, try historical. If contemp is your thing (as it is mine), go for something outside this realistic box. When I threw down the gauntlet, I didn't think leaving my writing place of metaphorical soft pillows and one pound weights, would be a snap, but I also didn't anticipate it would be equivalent to running on an incline. (For all of you in terrific shape, running on an incline would be quite a challenge for me now. Actually, running with OR… Continue reading

Writing is a mysterious process, one that differs in many ways from one person to the next. Some writers outline, others don't. Some focus initially on plot, others on character. However you do it, you need both sides of the brain to make it happen: the left brain, which is the rational, orderly, scientific part and the right brain, which is the more creative, idea-driven, artistic side. Without the right brain, no ideas. Without the left brain, no way to get them on the page. A problem I sometimes run into is that once the left brain gets involved, it wants… Continue reading