Writing is one of the best hobbies to have, because you can always get better at it. With most things you reach a peak, then your body starts to fail you and you're done with. Writing, though, can only get better with experience, and as long as your mind is healthy you can keep doing …
Dialogue: ‘said’ is invisible, and that’s cool
Who said what? You may feel the need to tag all dialogue with the speaker, but really it's not necessary most of the time. "Who's there?" Jim asked questioningly. "No one," Bob stated defiantly. "But I hear you, you answered me!" Jim exclaimed "Nope, you are mistaken," Bob rebuffed. "I know what I am hearing, …
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Rain on me
I've been writing a scene with rain, and so listening to rain sounds in my ears all day. The sound of rain and thunder is calming somehow, but also adventurous and somehow gives me a sense of potential, of mystery. What is out there in the rain and dark? What sounds could the pattering and …
A good villain is a personal villain
Villains are problematic not only in that they are usually the more proactive character, while the hero is reactive, but also because they are often doing the more interesting stuff, moving the story forward. I have many times found myself sympathizing with the villain just because I want to see what happens when they complete their …
Start at the action!
I've started a new book that you get to hear about for the next few weeks, Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler, and so far it's great. The story opens with an immortal character sensing another character with some kind of powers, seeking her out and meeting her. She leaves her village behind and follows him …
Jonas David 