characters

The Journal: Why I Don’t Recommend Outlining…

In today’s Journal * Topic: Why I Don’t Recommend Outlining… * Of Interest Topic: Why I Don’t Recommend Outlining… A few days ago I discontinued my mentorships. This topic sprang from one part of my former Becoming A Writer mentorship. I hope it helps. Actually, this could be titled “Why I Don’t Recommend Outlining and Other Prewriting Structures” like separate world-building, character sketches, etc. But that title is far too long. Oh, and while I’m at it, I’ll also discuss briefly why I don’t recommend rewriting. So why don’t I recommend outlining and the rest? The short answer is “Because … Read more

The Journal: Characterization: Just Don’t

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Some Quick Math * Topic: Characterization: Just Don’t * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day “It’s not a race. This writing business is one event where everybody who crosses the finish line wins. And then we get to start all over again. You just can’t beat that.” Dan Baldwin Wow. I did some quick math yesterday just out of curiosity. Remember I offered to send you the rough Journal archives in PDF documents from 2014 through 2021? I went back and added those up. Granted, they’re the rough … Read more

The Journal: Back to the Future

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * First, a quick welcome * Topic: Back to the Future (sigh) * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day “Some of the biggest cases of mistaken identity are among intellectuals who have trouble remembering that they are not God.” Thomas Sowell (via The Passive Voice) First, a quick welcome to Leanna L, Philip, and anyone else who’s joined us recently. Very glad to have you aboard. (grin) Now on to the topic. Topic: Back to the Future (sigh) Sorry for the seemingly hokey title (grin), but as you will … Read more

The Journal: Whose Story Is It?

In today’s Journal * Topic: Whose Story Is It? * Quotes of the Day * Some Videos to Check Out * Of Interest * The Numbers Topic: Whose Story Is It? Well, today is mostly quotes. You’ll see those below. I didn’t write fiction yesterday. Didn’t even move over to the writing ‘puter. Though some have come close, it dawned on me yesterday that I’ve never heard any other writer repeat my own mantra: It’s not my story, it’s the characters’ story. But let me elaborate. I truly believe the characters’ life, their story, is ongoing even when I’m not … Read more