Each genre holds its challenges, no matter if it chic lit, YA literature or criminal suspense. Currently, I’m finding my own challenges as I wade into the realm of science fiction from the familiar waters of fantasy. Perhaps one of the most challenging is placing my planets on maps in manner that is logical andContinue reading “Plotting a SciFi “world””
Author Archives: smwright
Writing Prompt #7: Location Unknown
Your character — new or preexisting — awakes in a location they have never been before, and they have no idea where it is or how they arrived in their current predicament. In their pocket, they have a limited amount of local currency (enough to buy two meals, though they are not aware of this);Continue reading “Writing Prompt #7: Location Unknown”
Learn from SELF Magazine’s Mistake
We are all human, we all make mistakes — and as journalists we have the misfortune of having our mistakes aired to our entire distribution area… and sometimes beyond if it is picked up by social media. I’ve had my own set of corrections over the course of my career. And you know what? IContinue reading “Learn from SELF Magazine’s Mistake”
How do writers know what they want to write about?
It’s one of the most common questions a writer is asked: Why do you write what you write? Often times it is asked when a writer is least expecting it, leading to awkward pauses or garbled words and stutters. But to be fair, it’s not an easy question to explain. For me, writing is anContinue reading “How do writers know what they want to write about?”
World and Character Series: Are your characters human?
Sometimes writers forget the basics while putting our vision to paper. And in this case I’m not talking about basics like grammar, plot or even character development. No, I’m talking about the basics of life: the need to eat. Often, times characters in books will go days without eating, making them more robot than human.Continue reading “World and Character Series: Are your characters human?”
I live!
Somehow I’ve managed to survive moving during the holidays, though I still have a few more boxes to move over and a lot of organizing to complete. With that in mind, my posts will be sporadic, but I hope to at least start posting again. Writing is another area I need to tap into again.Continue reading “I live!”
Is there a setting besides fast?
October has been a whirl, and November is promising to be over in the blink of an eye. My workload has picked up at work after I was named editor of our Michiana House & Home publication, and let me just say, it is creepy seeing a photo of myself inside a magazine! While I’mContinue reading “Is there a setting besides fast?”
The business of writing — Part II
Well, you have your business plan typed and printed, possibly stored in a sleek binder … or stuffed in a lock box or file cabinet. So what next? Well, you have to make good on that marketing plan that you spelled out in your business plan. What? Isn’t that my agent’s and publisher’s job? TheContinue reading “The business of writing — Part II”
Life of a staff writer: Five interviews that have shaped me
As a staff writer, you meet a lot of interesting people and get to see a lot of interesting movements along the way — and I am embarrassed to say I do not always remember all my interviewees’ names; however, their stories stay with me. Not only do they inspire me, especially the seniors whoContinue reading “Life of a staff writer: Five interviews that have shaped me”
The business of writing — Part I
Just today, I covered a session dedicated to small business owners and entrepreneurs, which was sponsored by the county economic development corporation and a local chamber. While the topics were geared toward business owners, I walked away from the event with my head spinning with ideas — after all, whether you want to believe itContinue reading “The business of writing — Part I”
Blood & Ink 