More Than a Logophile
My first short story “I’m afraid the reason the doctor let Nicole come on this trip is because it doesn’t matter anymore. It breaks my heart to even think of it that way, but she isn’t doing well. Her legs were hurting with just the little bit she had to walk today. She’s resting now, … Continue reading We Could’ve Grown Old Together
Well, here’s a story. Once upon a time, I was a really young writer. I wrote silly little fairy tales, mysteries, and ended most with a forced moral to the story. But I loved it, and that’s what mattered. I was also a voracious reader. I read everything my mom let me get my hands … Continue reading How I Developed Taste
Did you make any writing goals last year? I did. Finish editing WIPSend first queryStart new WIP Did I accomplish those goals? Yes. Yes, I did. But this would be the first time I’ve achieved all my self-imposed writing goals or resolutions. I’ve dreamed up some pretty big literary mountains to climb in the past. … Continue reading The Truth About Writing Goals
No, it’s not Japanese. It stands for “National Novel Writing Month,” and is affectionately referred to as “NaNo.” NaNo is traditionally held during the month of November. It is not a competition. But you can connect with other participants on the NaNoWriMo website and by using these social media hashtags: #nano #nanowrimo #nano19 #nanowrimo19 #amwriting … Continue reading NaNoWriMo?
Before becoming a writer or even before finishing a writing project, it’s easy to think about the finish line. “I just have to write this, this, and this, and then I’ll be done.” The reality, however, is that the work of writing is a never-ending loop. Always Learning As writers, we are constantly learning. Whether … Continue reading A Writer’s Work is Never Done
Most of the writers I know personally are either pantsers or plantsers. I’ve always considered myself a plotter, but none of the well-known methods worked for me. I can’t use a synopsis to plot because my brain no longer cares about the story by the time I’m done. The snowflake method felt too messy and … Continue reading The Many Stages of My Plotting Method
Previously, we’ve talked about critique groups and how to criticize well. But equally important is the ability to accept critique from others. Taking critique is really hard no matter who you are, and it’s perfectly normal to get upset, get angry, or cry after receiving a round of critique. So here’s some tips to chew … Continue reading Critique Group Tips: Accepting Critique
Writers are strange people. We love spending our days dreaming up elaborate plots and lovable characters. Scenes play out in our minds like a Hollywood-quality production. We write them out and edit a little (or a lot, depending on your process), but then we’re swept away by the latest shiny new idea. That poor project … Continue reading On Finishing
Life is hard. Writing is hard. Yet somehow, as writers in the real world, we think a career in writing will be magically easy (or glamorously hard). We live in a time where media goes viral and fame can happen overnight. But in this same age, there are writers sitting at their computers wishing for … Continue reading Writing in the Real World
It takes an army to build a book. Yes, you are the one who writes it, but you can’t do everything. Before you start working toward publication, it would be best to have as many eyes on your manuscript as possible. And no, I’m not talking about your mom. I’m talking about critique partners, beta … Continue reading Critique Group Tips
Abrigail Julian: 