Tag Archives: writing

Chapter 10 – Some Quick Thoughts On The Revision Process

As some of you may know, I started the third draft of my novel The Woodlander a couple of days ago. I thought I would take a quick break to give you my initial impressions. So far I’ve revised the … Continue reading

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Chapter 9 – Zen and the Art of Automobile Maintenance

As I left work today, I realized I needed to replenish some supplies before I returned home. I was in a hurry and it was very hot, so I stopped at at the convenience store. For some reason there’s always … Continue reading

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Chapter 8 – Who Said That?

“Let’s talk about dialogue attribution!” exclaimed Kirk enthusiastically. Haha, that’s a pretty bad one. If it’s not obvious why, hopefully it will be in a moment. But first, let’s make sure we all know what I’m talking about. Dialogue attribution … Continue reading

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Chapter 7 – An Ideal Reader?

As you write your novel, do you have in mind an ideal reader? Is this person your spouse? Boyfriend/girlfriend? The cute girl at the bookstore who doesn’t even know your name? In any case, this is the person you imagine … Continue reading

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Chapter 6 – The Plot Thickens

Let’s talk about plotting. Not whether you should have a plot (I hope you do), but how you create it. It seems to me there are two schools of thought. First, you have your planners. Followers of this school believe … Continue reading

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Chapter 5 – The Writer’s Toolbox

Can we discuss writing tools for a moment? I don’t mean the abstract tools like plot devices or character development wheels. I’m talking about the nuts and bolts–hardware, software, all the tools we use to realize our fantasy worlds. I … Continue reading

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Chapter 4 – The Workspace

What is your ideal workspace for writing? In my head, I imagine a cabin in the mountains. A log crackles in the fire as I sit at my vast but spartan desk. Through the window I can see snow gently … Continue reading

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Chapter 3 – I Could Do That!

“Hey, I’m writing a novel!” “Really? Why?” Sound familiar? Maybe they don’t say it out loud, but you can see it in their eyes–a look of bemusement, skepticism, or worst of all, flat-out pity. Why, oh why, indeed? It’s a … Continue reading

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Chapter 2 – The Story So Far

Okay, confession time. We’re not at the beginning of this journey. We’re somewhere in the middle, but probably closer to the beginning than the end.  No, it’s not one of those plot devices where the story unfolds in a nonlinear … Continue reading

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