So last week, after entertaining you with a bit of mythological humor, I teased you with a hint of exciting news to come this week. To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure I could pull off what I intended for the subject of that exciting news - which would have left me making up something … Continue reading The Beatles Schedule of Novel Writing
All Hail the Glorious Outline!
This week brought about an excellent opportunity to break out my Happy Dance Shoes and kick up my heels in ecstatic, delirious, over-the-moon-with-elation joy because The Outline is complete. As you may remember, several weeks ago I had to break the sad news that Book Three of my fantasy series will not be published this … Continue reading All Hail the Glorious Outline!
Creative Writing 101 With Kurt Vonnegut
Ever since I decided to read Breakfast of Champions in high school literature class instead of whatever bland tome the teacher had assigned, I have loved reading anything by Kurt Vonnegut. (By the way, the teacher, a Vonnegut fan himself, let me get away with - and even encouraged - my little protest.) From Slaughterhouse Five to … Continue reading Creative Writing 101 With Kurt Vonnegut
A Test of Writing Skill: The Synopsis
I don't know who said it, but to write well is to write concisely. Yes, I know there are plenty of writers who get away with flowery language and overly long descriptions of events and objects that don't contribute much to the story, but in general, concise writing keeps your reader interested. For those of … Continue reading A Test of Writing Skill: The Synopsis
Library Tour: The Sherman Library and Gardens
I know you're salivating for another venture through one of the world's libraries, so let's get started... Think SoCal (that's Southern California for those not up on their West coast lingo) is all about beaches and celebrities and crazy expensive homes? Well, it is, but it's also an enviable place to garden. Mild climate, little … Continue reading Library Tour: The Sherman Library and Gardens
Are You Tough Enough To Be a Writer?
Remember a few years ago when a big hooplah was raised after Mattel put out the talking Barbie who said "Math is hard?" Well, if she had said "Writing is hard" I imagine many writers would have been clambering for this doll who finally understood them. Because writing is hard. No, strike that. Writing is … Continue reading Are You Tough Enough To Be a Writer?
Need a Writing Kick? Read a Book!
Last week I dosed you up with ways to kick your imaginary writer's block to the curb. One of my tips was to read a book on writing to inspire yourself when you feel stuck. And then cruel, cruel me left it at that. No recommendations, no advice for picking a writing book, nothing. To … Continue reading Need a Writing Kick? Read a Book!
The War on Adverbs. Bring It On!
THE WAR ON ADVERBS That's right bring it on! Who started this war? Twitter. Well, actually it was tweeting captain at Writer's Digest. See, a couple days ago they tweeted, "Remove all the adverbs from your writing. Yes, even the ones that really work." If you're as big a smart ass as I am, … Continue reading The War on Adverbs. Bring It On!
Terrible Advice for Writers
As a writer, I'm constantly seeking tips on how to create better characters, improve my settings, market my work and a billion other things I suck at. Some advice is great and finds its way into my special Writing Tips file folder - okay it's not so much a file folder as it is papers … Continue reading Terrible Advice for Writers
Tammie Painter 