Tag: how to write
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The Easiest Way to Organize Your Thoughts
Imagine if there was a way you could instantly spark new ideas, organize your thoughts and get more done every day. As a writer, my brain is constantly loaded up with new ideas. But I’ve found a way to quickly break down my thoughts, sort them out, and get organized, so that I can be…
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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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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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New for 2013: Instant Plot – FREE ebook!
Hate outlining? You’re not alone. Whether you’re plotting your novel, creating an outline or writing a synopsis, you need this FREE ebook. Find out how to take charge of your plot, avoid the dumbest plotting mistakes, spot the warning signs of a dead-end story and master the core principles of dramatic structure.Just by answering a…
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Win Literary Prizes and Help Fight Diabetes
Just a quick reminder that bidding starts Sunday for the Brenda Novak Diabetes Fundraiser. This year, aspiring writers get a chance to win some incredible prizes. Seriously, some mind-blowing stuff! Like lunch with agents, editors and other Very Important People. Or a chance to get your polished manuscript into the hot little hands of people…
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What Aspiring Writers Can Learn from Instant Coffee
Anybody who has ever worked in advertising (like yours truly, natch) knows how tough it is to tell a good story while you’re trying to promote a product. I could bring up the time I had to write about a certain brand of high-end skater hoodies (yes, hoodies, as in a sweatshirt with a hood…
LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON 