Historical Fiction: Research Tips

Alyssaa. Character Creation, Book Therapist, Brainstorming Strategies and Tips, Encourage Me!, How to write a Romance, Peter Leavell, Peter Leavell, Planning, Research, Writing

by Peter Leavell, @PeterLeavell Research is a kingly or queenly quest. You’re the hero in a foggy hallway filled with doors. You open one at a time to see what secrets are hidden. Eventually, you discover a golden crown. Yet, as you pick up the crown and set it on your head, you notice a new hallway with more doors …

Just in Case you Need a Smile Today

AlyssaBrainstorming Strategies and Tips, Encourage Me!, James L. Rubart, Loosen Up!, Nurturing Creativity, Nurturing the Soul, Writing Life

by James L. Rubart, @jameslrubart Since there’s a bit of chaos and anger in the world these days, I thought it might be high time to inject a bit of humor into your day with a classic video.  If you’ve been in this industry for more than ten minutes, you’ve probably had, or heard about, the type of conversation played …

The Art of Dreaming and Writing

AlyssaBrainstorming Strategies and Tips, Encourage Me!, Kariss Lynch, Nurturing Creativity, Planning, Plotting, Story Crafting, Writing

by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch What does it mean to dream with God? As writers, we are innately dreamers and creators, proof that we are created in the image of a Master Creator. I love that one way I connect with God is by practicing the gift He has given me. Doesn’t it make sense then that His number one adversary …

Finding the Quirky in the Mundane

Alyssaa. Character Creation, Brainstorming Strategies and Tips, David Rawlings, Nurturing Creativity, Research, Story Crafting, Writing

by David Rawlings, @DavidJRawlings I find characters memorable when they have a certain something that stays with me when they’re gone. That doesn’t mean they’ve got the stereotypical chiseled jaw and swept hairline, but it’s more that they’ve got a habit that is quirky. Quirky can be memorable. Like the character that sucks in air through his teeth while he’s thinking. Or …

It’s All About Character

Alyssaa. Character Creation, Brainstorming Strategies and Tips, From the Inside...Out, Hero, Heroine, How do I create the Inner Journey?, How do I write Emotions?, Katherine Reay, Nurturing Creativity, Writing

by Katherine Reay, @Katherine_Reay Our ability to engage our readers comes down to the characters we share with them. Compelling characters make a rich and rewarding story — and keep readers wanting more. Even if you write fast-paced, plot-driven fiction, readers will only travel that road with you if your protagonist is worthy of the chase. How do we create these “jump …

Sketching Scenes

Alyssab. Building a Scene, Brainstorming Strategies and Tips, Planning, Saggy Scene Solutions, Sarah Sundin, Story Crafting, Writing

Sarah Sundin, @sarahsundin Ever had one of your characters shake someone’s hand—but a few sentences earlier he was carrying a huge box? Ever had a scene filled with cute banter—but nothing happens? We’ve all done something similar. One time I almost set a side character’s hair on fire when he scratched his head—I forgot he had a cigarette in hand (sorry …