LAURENCE MACNAUGHTON

Tag: Writing Tips

  • Functional Nerds podcast: now featuring Yours Truly

    SF Signal will be missed. But the science fiction/fantasy world has always been chock-full of innovation. The vacuum left by SF Signal creates more room in the spotlight for fresh, entertaining podcasts like Functional Nerds. Listen in for free as I chat with the ever-entertaining and informative John Anealio and Patrick Hester about: • Fantastic new movies (and…

  • The #1 Secret to Fantasy World Building

    Every fantasy author struggles with a tough challenge: How do you create a unique world that’s as believable as it is exciting? It’s called world building, and every writer does it a little differently. My secret is to start with research. The world we live in is so weird, it’s impossible not to get inspired.…

  • Blame Dan Aykroyd from Ghostbusters

    A few years ago, on a placid summer evening resonant with cicadas, I stepped out to buy a bottle of wine for my wife’s show at an art gallery. And there, in the corner of the store, sat Dan Aykroyd, promoting his new Crystal Head Vodka. You may not know this (I certainly didn’t at…

  • “The end of the world shouldn’t be this much fun!” –Qwillery

    Check out this fabulous review from The Qwillery: “It Happened One Doomsday is a delight! It’s a fabulous blend of humor, Urban Fantasy and biblical prophecy with a touch of romance. The end of the world shouldn’t be this much fun!” But there’s more! They also interviewed Yours Truly. I talked frankly about: – What inspired me…

  • Deepest secrets revealed on RMFW podcast

    OK, so maybe not my “deepest secrets.” But this is possibly the most interesting interview I’ve ever done. When the unstoppable Mark Stevens from Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers invited me onto the RMFW podcast, I had no idea he’d ask me such thought-provoking questions. A few of the many, many things we talked about: •…

  • 6 Easy Steps to Planning Out Your Novel

    Attention writers: Even if you hate the idea of writing an outline or synopsis, you can still figure out a plan to help you finish your novel fast, avoid major revisions, and beat writer’s block forever. It’s surprisingly easy. And I’ll show you how. Click here to read the free article on Fiction University.  

  • 6 Secrets of Successful Critique Groups

    6 Secrets of Successful Critique Groups

    Critique groups: best thing ever for writers? Or soul-crushing pits of despair? Here are my 6 secrets for spotting a top-notch critique group — or assembling your own. Connect with other writers and get the feedback you need to finish your book, publish it, and write the next one. Everything you need to know from…

  • 7 Keys to Writing Irresistible Plots

    7 Keys to Writing Irresistible Plots

    If you’ve ever tried to write a book, you’ve probably struggled with plotting. Plot is more than just what happens in the story. There’s a bigger structure to what happens, and when, and why. Do it right, and you’ll create a gripping story. But do it wrong, and your story will get nothing but yawns.…

  • 11 Tips for World-Building in Science Fiction and Fantasy

    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…

  • The Short, Sad Saga of Mississippi Jones

    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.