by Jessica Brody SAVE THE CAT!® by Blake Snyder is a popular screenwriting book series and storytelling methodology used by screenwriters, directors, and studio execs across Hollywood. Now, for the first time ever, bestselling author and writing teacher, Jessica Brody, takes the beloved Save the Cat! plotting principals and applies them to the craft of… Continue reading Writing Resource: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Category: Writing
Writing Update!
How’s writing going for you, friend? Mine has had some ups and downs, but it’s going well. I got Brontide back from beta readers mid-January. While struggling through brainstorming edits, I realized that it had some issues at the foundation of the plot that were throwing the whole book off. So, that set me off… Continue reading Writing Update!
Newsletters (pt.2)
On Tuesday, I talked about why readers should subscribe to author/writer newsletters. Now let’s talk about some reasons why writers should have one. They’re similar to why readers should subscribe, but a little different.1. Publishers want authors with newsletters. Social media is a fickle thing. The algorithm can decide to tank your posts, but aside… Continue reading Newsletters (pt.2)
Newsletters (pt. 1)
If you’ve spent enough time in the bookish world, you’ve probably heard about writer/author newsletters. But what are they?An author newsletter (sometimes also referred to as an email list) is essentially an e-newsletter in which writers typically give some behind-the-scenes peeks or updates about their writing, recommend books, and talk about life. They generally aren’t… Continue reading Newsletters (pt. 1)
“Love Remembers” Aesthetic
Did you know that I have several short stories published in anthologies? That's right! Not only can you read my writing online, you can also find it in real, physical books! You can find the links to all of my published stories on the My Writing page. Today I wanted to highlight an aesthetic reel… Continue reading “Love Remembers” Aesthetic
You Don’t Have to Do Social Media
To my fellow writers on social media, You don’t have to do it all.Social media can be overwhelming. There’s so much you can do, and there’s always the pressure to do more. Plus, social media can be a time-sucking black hole.But you don’t have to do everything on social media. You don’t have to post… Continue reading You Don’t Have to Do Social Media
Comparison
Writer, stop comparing yourself.I think there are few things that kill creativity as quickly as comparison does. Yet we writers compare ourselves all the time. Word counts, publications, followers—we compare it all.We need to stop. Comparison can grow imposter syndrome, cause discouragement, and possibly create tension between writers. It can lead us to jealousy, which… Continue reading Comparison
Writing Resource: Fight Write
by Carla Hoch publisher's synopsis Whether a side-street skirmish or an all-out war, fight scenes bring action to the pages of every kind of fiction. But a poorly done or unbelievable fight scene can ruin a great book in an instant. In Fight Write you'll learn practical tips, terminology, and the science behind crafting realistic fight scenes… Continue reading Writing Resource: Fight Write
Writing Takes Time
A while ago, I was talking with my boss about how I’m a writer, and said that writing is a long game career. And it really is.Writing a first draft takes time. Editing takes time. Honing your craft takes time. Querying takes time. Getting a contract takes time. Formatting, cover design, getting endorsements, marketing—it all… Continue reading Writing Takes Time
Writing Resource: Stories are Soul Food
I have a podcast recommendation for you! A while ago, I found the Stories Are Soul Food podcast hosted by author N. D. Wilson and editor Brian Kohl. And I love listening to it. N. D. and Brian have fantastic thoughts about reading, writing, and how we think about books in general. To try and sum up the… Continue reading Writing Resource: Stories are Soul Food
Hailey Huntington 