writing
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3 Ways to Heal Through Storytelling
The storytelling process is often described as healing; it lets us explore situations on a deeper level. There’s nothing like uncovering heartbreak, letting wounds heal in fresh air; however, it takes courage to bare your soul in a way that’s often public and raw. Even truths told in allegory can be difficult for the person saying them.…
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Why Write Realistic Heroes?
Your hero has been chosen to carry out a risky, important task. Lives depend on their ability to get the job done. They will face countless obstacles enduring sleepless nights in the cold at the mercy of nature. There is a chance they will die carrying out this quest. How do they react to all…
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3 Things Writers can Learn about Storytelling from Children
HOW MUCH EFFORT DOES IT TAKE YOU TO TELL A STORY? I don’t mean with regards to practice and skill—it’s important to produce quality writing when your storytelling medium is the written word. Readers can usually tell when we haven’t paid attention to quality, and few things are more irritating than starting to read a…
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Writing Tip: Character Complexity
No choice is ever simple. Decisions are complex, though they might seem impulsive at the time. We’re influenced by the world around us; the hows and whys of our behavior are shaped by things that seem pointless. Characters are people; they behave realistically when written with care. Details revealed to readers should have solid backstories; most writers spin…
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What’s Next for The Autumn Prince?
In September I was outside enjoying the days before autumn really kicked up frost. I had my Moleskine with me; as I watched leaves let go of their branches, the words autumnal gold surfaced in my heart, and I began to write. What resulted was a story I would release in twenty parts on October…
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Authors Ridge: A Resting Place for Storytellers
Surfing the Internet years ago, I learned of a place in Concord, Massachusetts called Authors Ridge. It’s a corner of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery; if the mention of Sleepy Hollow doesn’t bring to your mind the Headless Horseman, don’t worry. The symbolism behind Authors Ridge deepens. This is a place where several greats of literature are…
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What Art Teaches
Someone dear told me once that art is about learning.This applies to writing as well—but we aren’t just learning how to improve our craft or tell a story; we’re learning how to prioritize projects. Right now I have two novels to edit and a little something I started in a notebook today. I’m learning to keep…
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Why Writers Don’t Have to Drink Coffee
For many writers, coffee’s essential in order to practice the craft. It gives us energy, smells good, and there are many ways to drink it—you can add creamer or take it black (I love it both ways!) I, too, swore on coffee being the writer’s drink—until my mom got me a brilliant cocoa-latte machine. After experimenting with different…
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The Start of Serenade Beta
Well, guys–it’s begun. Earlier this year I completed a draft of Serenade coherent enough to show other people, but since it’s still a little rusty, it’s time to enter the beta reading phase. What is beta reading? It means I find people I trust who are willing to give me some of their time in order…
Mariella Hunt & the Tearoom 