Category: For Writers
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How to Be Creative First Thing in the Morning
If you want to write a book, why do it first thing in the morning? Studies show that not only are we more creative in the morning, we’re also more optimistic. In other words, we’re happier. Sure, misery and angst have inspired plenty of creative geniuses. But personally, I’d rather be creative when I’m in…
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11 Tips for World-Building in Science Fiction and Fantasy
How do authors create an imaginary world from scratch? This weekend, I’ll offer writers some world-building tips at MileHiCon in Denver. Can’t make it to the convention? No worries. Here are the answers to eleven of your burning world-building questions. MileHiCon: How do authors go about building a world? Laurence MacNaughton: Personally, I immerse myself in…
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Ask an Author: World Building and Exposition
Ever wanted to know how a science fiction or fantasy author builds an imaginary world? Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephanie Meyer, J.K. Rowling, Frank Herbert, William Gibson and scores of others are renowned for the worlds they’ve created. What makes them so intriguing? I’ve been invited to join a handful of other authors at MileHiCon…
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The Myth of the Peaceful Writer’s Life
I know so many writers who claim that they need absolute silence in order to write. I used to be one of them. As I write this, we’re having a hardwood floor refinished in the room directly above my office. If you’ve never had a floor redone, I envy you. You probably still have your…
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The Short, Sad Saga of Mississippi Jones
Some names stick with us. Bridget Jones, Holden Caulfield, Nero Wolfe — these names are all indelibly stamped into our literary consciousness. Those names are evocative. Memorable. Unique. Some writers are incredibly good at coming up with names. I am not one of them.
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Top 3 Questions of Aspiring Writers
I’m always happy to answer questions from aspiring authors. This week, I got some tricky ones: Q: How do you know when to end one chapter and start the next chapter? A: You end a chapter as soon as the lead character either achieves their goal or fails. The best place to end a chapter…
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Win a Manuscript Critique, Help a Great Cause
You can win 50 pages of intense story development editing in the Brenda Novak diabetes auction: http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=3405168 If you’re a writer, or you know someone who is … Find out how you can get my undivided attention and advice for a full 50 pages. Plus, you’ll get a personal 20 minute follow-up phone call to talk about…
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12 Bestselling Authors Taught Me This
Over the years, I’ve interviewed dozens of bestselling authors — and they all had the same advice. I’ll tell you what it is in this interview at the Littleton Writers Critique Group. I’ll also reveal the surprising advice my literary agent gave me . . . the “old school” trick to stop procrastinating and get…
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How to Write Anything
Have you ever needed to write something, but you didn’t know how to get started? As a professional writer, I face that problem daily. Luckily, I’ve discovered a super-simple way to organize any writing project. And I’m about to share it with you.
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Do you review books on Amazon?
Want to make your opinion heard? Want a free ebook? If you’re interested in reviewing The Spider Thief on Amazon.com or Goodreads — and getting free review copies — just send me a link to your book review site, or to any reviews you’ve posted online. Click here to contact me. >
LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON 