Writing Character Motivation

For more on writing motivated characters, check out this post on the difference between internal and external motivations.   All my favorite stories are character-driven. Oh, sure, you can write an action-packed tale of car chases and dragon slaying and all the...

Internal and External Motivation

Nothing drives a story like a determined character. But this is one of those things that’s easier to say than it is to actually incorporate into writing. I thought I understood what all these writerly types meant when they said to make a “strong, motivated” character....

Writing Music

As in the act of composing music? Nope! This is all about music you can write to. Some people hate writing to music; others can’t write without their earbuds in. I fall somewhere in between. I compile huge playlists that I brainstorm and outline to, but when it comes...

Writing Habits

“I can only write when I’m drinking coffee.” (This is not true for me. But you’ve heard it before, right?) “I need to write everything by hand. No technology allowed.” (Also not the case. I can type at ninety words per minute, but when I’m handwriting, it drops to...

First Sentences

Ooh boy. First lines. There’s nothing like facing the blank page, feeling hope and nerves and excitement and fear rush through you. You crack your knuckles, set your fingers on the keyboard, and… What comes first? Usually, when I’m writing first drafts, I just start...