LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON

Tag: Writers Block

  • 4 Writing Pitfalls to Avoid at All Costs

    Has your writing fallen into a black hole? Has your pacing dropped to a crawl, or your suspense become a snore? Do you just feel stuck? You might be sabotaging your own writing without even knowing it. But don’t panic. Here’s how to avoid the four most perilous pitfalls of writing.

  • Never Suffer Writer’s Block Again

    Have you ever sat down to write, and found that everything you wrote seemed terrible? Every writer has felt that way, at one time or another. Here’s the uncomfortable truth about those critical thoughts: they can actually help you become a better writer. But only if you know how to recognize those thoughts for what…

  • How to Never Get Writer’s Block. Ever.

    How to Never Get Writer’s Block. Ever.

    Let me tell you the secret to getting rid of writer’s block forever. I’ll admit, I’ve certainly had days where I feel like I don’t know what to write, or I worry that everything I write is terrible. Some people call that writer’s block. I call it “Monday.” :-) But seriously, what most people call…

  • Is Your Story Stuck? 5 Questions You Need to Ask

    Writing a book but feeling stuck? Do you have the sneaking suspicion that your story went off the rails somewhere? Don’t worry. You can fix practically any story problem just by asking yourself five simple questions. Read the full post on Fiction University >

  • The Surprising Secret to Snappy Scenes

    Got a scene in your novel where a group of characters argue and discuss, but no matter how important the subject is, somehow the tension falls flat? You can fix this scene, and I’ll tell you the trick right up front: get rid of some of your characters. Why? 

  • This Saturday: Instant Plot – Plan Out Your Novel the Easy Way

    Hate outlining? You’re not alone. Tomorrow (9/8/12), I’ll be teaching Instant Plot at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers conference. Here’s what’s in store: 

  • How to Keep Readers Turning Pages: 3 Things You Must Do

    Q: I’ve got a basic plot planned out for my novel, but I’m worried about being repetitive, because the story is about doing the same thing several times (the main character has a list of people he needs to “off”). Do you know of any way to pull off a plot like that without boring…

  • The Best Writing Tool You’re Not Using

    Writing a novel on a typewriter? Hard. Finishing your novel by any means possible? Smart! Are you stuck in the middle of your novel? Do you keep going back to “fix” things in your story? Believe it or not, you might need a typewriter. 

  • Bronte Sisters Power Dolls

    Writing a book is serious work. Literary icons with kung-fu action grip… not so serious. Enjoy! P.S. You can also watch the Bronte Sisters Power Dolls here.

  • Instant Plot: How to Plan Out Your Novel the Easy Way

    Do you love free stuff? Do you love to write? Me too! That’s why I’m teaching an absolutely free writing class this Saturday. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.