the writing life

The Journal: Forgetfulness—Blessing or Curse?

In today’s Journal * Pulp Speed * Topic: Forgetfulness—Blessing or Curse? * The novel wrapped * Of Interest * The Numbers Pulp Speed There’s an item in “Of Interest” today on writing at what DWS terms “Pulp Speed.” I encourage you to read it, even if you’ve seen it before. It was one of the first few posts of Dean’s that I read, and I’ve read it again all three times he’s dusted it off and brought it forward. Writing at any pulp speed is the ultimate challenge for writers who just like to tell stories. Writers who, like me, … Read more

The Journal: The Five Most Important Things

In today’s Journal * Topic: A Question * Thanks * The novel * Of Interest * The Numbers First, a shout-out to Bob B for his continued support (as verified by almost daily TalkWalker alerts) of my nonfiction books Quiet Your Critical Voice (and Write Fiction), Writing the Character-Driven Story and this Journal. Thanks, Bob. I appreciate it. Topic: A Question Or maybe a test, I dunno. I was going to make a list (in my opinion, of course) of the Five Most Important Things writers should know, but instead I decided to ask you. So in your experience as … Read more

The Journal: A Trip, Feedburner, Refreshers and Hemingway

In today’s Journal * Quote of the Day * Coming up on a trip * Note from and about Feedburner * Refreshers? * Ernest Hemingway * The novel’s still unfolding * Of Interest * The Numbers Quote of the Day “It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.” Ernest Hemingway Coming up on a necessary trip to New Mexico. I probably will write while I’m gone, unless the current novel wraps before we leave, although probably I will be heavily prompted to consider the time a brief … Read more

The Journal: “Info Dumps” vs. POV

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Microsoft Flight Simulator * Topic: “Info Dumps” vs. POV * Post Tags and Different Strokes * Another pretty good day * Of Interest * The Numbers Has anyone out there ever used (played) the Microsoft Flight Simulator? Apparently it’s a game, but an extremely realistic one. I’m not a gamer, but I’m thinking it would be a great tool or aid in writing. One of the magazines I subscribe to is Air & Space Smithsonian. The May 2021 issue contains an excellent article on the Flight Simulator. You can read it … Read more

The Journal: Poetry Techniques for the Fictionist

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * A relatively short post * Poetry Techniques for the Fictionist * Toxic Productivity * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “Be careful to apply your poetic sensibilities to every line.” David Farland A relatively short post today to give you (and me) a break. The novel’s still racing right along. Poetry Techniques for the Fictionist I included the quote of the day to make a point: Apparently I’m not the only writer who believes learning and applying poetry techniques can enhance your fiction, or your nonfiction for that … Read more

The Journal: Questions 2: Dialogue Tags and Interruptions

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Another pretty good day * Topic: Questions 2: Dialogue Tags and Interruptions * Followup * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day I’ve talked here before about having a specific skill in mind when you sit down to write, for example pacing or dialogue or whatever. That’s how you practice and improve. Today’s topic will give you two more techniques to practice. HS “Deliberate practice is what turns amateurs into professionals. … Deliberate practice means practicing with a clear awareness of the specific components of a skill we’re aiming … Read more

The Journal: The Question Rules

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Fairly good day * Topic: The Question Rules * Followup * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day I’ve talked here before about having a specific skill in mind when you sit down to write, for example pacing or dialogue or whatever. That’s how you practice and improve. Today’s topic will help you practice a particular technique. HS “Deliberate practice is what turns amateurs into professionals. … Deliberate practice means practicing with a clear awareness of the specific components of a skill we’re aiming to improve.” Farnam Street I … Read more

The Journal: Standard Manuscript Format, Sort Of

In today’s Journal * Quotes of the Day * Standard Manuscript Format (certain silly rules) * Yesterday * Of Interest * The Numbers Quotes of the Day “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” Peter Marshall et al down through the ages “It’s easy enough to stand for something if you don’t have a personal stake.” Wes Crowley So anyway, awhile back I posted a link in the Journal to the new “standard” manuscript format. It’s what writers are supposed to follow now when they submit manuscripts to magazines for consideration. The basic format itself is … Read more

The Journal: Point of View

In today’s Journal * A lighter day * Topic: Whose Point of View Is It? * Of Interest * The Numbers Had a lighter day yesterday. I wanted to break 30,000 words but didn’t quite get there. I found a glitch I had to work out. This series has a cast of dozens of main characters, so I get confused with some of the names and assignments every now and then. (grin) When that happens, it’s better to slow down and work out glitches when I find them than to wait and hope for the best. But the story’s still … Read more

The Journal: It’s Good to Be Back

In today’s Journal * Quick Diary of Days * A Very Pleasant Surprise * Of Interest * The Numbers It’s good to finally be back. Incredible how being without the internet for a few days disrupts a schedule. Since I’ve been gone, I thought I’d toss out a quick diary of those few days. Monday: I wrote some (Day 5), messed around some, went to the grocery, wrote some more, moved the cactuses from the Hovel where they were stored for the winter back to their normal places in the yard, wrote a little more, and set up my portable … Read more