My piece about Adama/Roslin being my ultimate OTP (aka One True Pairing) continues to be one of the most popular blog posts that I have ever done to the point it keeps getting hits almost every day. I think it just goes to speak for the couple, which is so beloved even though Battlestar Galactica (2004)Continue reading “This Valentine’s Day Another OTP”
Category Archives: Writing Articles
Let’s Research: Understanding Sources
As a writer (people, in general, need this, too), understanding sources is vital. Not all sources are created equal, and because they are created by humans, one has to look at the creator of any text to see what biases or agendas they might have. Sometimes, veracity can be impacted by creator biases or unintentionallyContinue reading “Let’s Research: Understanding Sources”
Let’s Research: Down The Rabbit Hole
Research is a rite of passage for many a writer. No matter the genre, there is usually some level required unless the novel’s world is very small and completely within the realm of what the author knows. For some, research transforms into a never-ending rabbit hole–à la Alice in Wonderland–and writing never launches. It canContinue reading “Let’s Research: Down The Rabbit Hole”
Setting Through The Lens Of Character
The scenery around us often changes in subtle ways depending on our moods and particular outlook on any given day. A garden that once provided comfort might morph into a mockery of that feeling in a darker personal moment, its hedges shifting away from a sense of whimsy, tightening around you, trapping you into aContinue reading “Setting Through The Lens Of Character”
Indie on a Budget: Cover Design
Being an indie author — if you want to do it right — is not cheap. For one thing, your work will need editing, formatting, and a cover. And don’t forget to consider a marketing budget, too! For a complete breakdown of potential costs, I highly recommend Lit Chic’s post, “You’ve Got to Spend MoneyContinue reading “Indie on a Budget: Cover Design”
Don’t Ditch Emotion in Pursuit Of ‘Strength’
The saying goes that boys don’t cry, and a lot can be said about toxic masculinity and its impact on boys as they grown up, especially if they don’t fit the mold of what it “means” to be a “proper” man — showing too much emotion or pursuing certain interests, for instance. This is cropsContinue reading “Don’t Ditch Emotion in Pursuit Of ‘Strength’”
Reflecting A Real World
I’d briefly mentioned the importance of offering a diverse cast of women in the post about “agency,” and now, we are going to explore that thought in depth. Diversity is an important component to include in any story — and not just with female characters, of course — because it is good for the readerContinue reading “Reflecting A Real World”
Agency, Why It Matters
A lot has been made of strong women lately in literature. It’s a trend I like, but sometimes, I think it pigeonholes female characters into one mold — we will get into that during a future post this week where we dive into diverse fictional women. Rather than using the term strong women in my wish list, all I really want are women who have agency.
Women Don’t Need To Be Wedges To Each Other’s Happiness
This rant is a long time in coming. You’ve probably seen the trope yourself: Two women — sometimes the only two in the entire book — one is our heroine, the other, well, she’s mostly a four- or five-letter word . . . you know the words I’m talking about. The latter usually earns this title for flimsy reasons and because of her proximity to the female lead’s love interest. The narrative itself often offers very little reason for why readers should hate this other female character.
What Writers Can Learn From The KonMari Method
When I’m sleep deprived, I spew out random things, and sometimes, just sometimes, they stick. In this case, a friend, while talking about reaching the end of her series, noted how sad she’d be to let go of those characters and their world. My response (knowing she’d also read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) wasContinue reading “What Writers Can Learn From The KonMari Method”
Blood & Ink 