smwright

Writing Prompt #1

This is one of my favorite writing prompts as it transcends genres — after all, fires occur no matter the era — and tells so much about a characters and what they hold dear. Here is how it works: Pick one of your characters. Now that character’s abode is on fire. What one item wouldContinue reading “Writing Prompt #1”

Thesaurus abuse

Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I don’t know the ten-dollar words. I know them all right. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use. Ernest Hemingway has a point often times an one-dollar word works far better thanContinue reading “Thesaurus abuse”

App Review: Dictionary.com

I have long been a fan of Dictionary.com, which I use over other sites when I’m in a pinch for a word or want to make sure I’ve picked the right one. So of course, when I got a smartphone (android), I had to download the Dictionary.com app. I must say it has come inContinue reading “App Review: Dictionary.com”

My personal seven deadly writing sins

We all have them — and if you claim not to, you are lying — namely, writing sins. They are things you do that you know you shouldn’t do. Some writers might might actually have more than seven writing sins, but lets face it, seven is much more manageable — plus, there is the wholeContinue reading “My personal seven deadly writing sins”

World-building Series: Intro

World-building is an intricate part of crafting a story — if done properly, it provides believability and envelopes the reader, holding their interest while also making them want to delve deeper into the world you have crafted. While world-building is often considered the realm of fantasy and scifi writers that is not the case. WritersContinue reading “World-building Series: Intro”

Outlines: Use them or leave them?

Some use them, others don’t; however, outlines are often an important tool in any writer’s toolbox. Outlines, while they mostly relay story events in order, are not necessarily laid out the same way — let’s face it, every writer is different, thus their outlines will be different. I will admit that when I start aContinue reading “Outlines: Use them or leave them?”

It’s FAWM time, plus an annoucement

Where did January go? It’s hard to believe that February has rolled in, particularly frigidly here in Indiana. Rather than flee south where it is warm, why not take your mind of the snow, ice and miserable cold by dedicating your month to another branch of writing: song writing. With February comes February Album WritingContinue reading “It’s FAWM time, plus an annoucement”

Spice up your writing routine

Have you ever found yourself in a rut? One where the words just aren’t coming, and you are losing focus or interest in your project? I know I have! And during such times, I have often found getting the spark back is easier when I shake up my writing routine and try things out ofContinue reading “Spice up your writing routine”

Female characters: living in a male-dominated world

Female characters can be challenging to write, particularly when they are placed in male-dominated worlds/eras, and often come in two extremes: damsels-in-distress/story wallpaper/the romantic interest or a man with boobs. Writers, in many cases, seem to think that to have a strong female character, they have to have great physical strength. While it is trueContinue reading “Female characters: living in a male-dominated world”

Personal style guides and why you need them

I’m not talking about “The Chicago Manual of Style,” “AP,” “MLA,” or any of the rest — no, I’m talking about writers creating their own personal style guide tailored to their novel or series — particularly fantasy and sci-fi writers. Why? Speculative fiction writers in general are prone to using names even words that areContinue reading “Personal style guides and why you need them”