-
Continue reading →: Filler words and phrases
Filler words and phrases are the sneaky gremlins that bloat your prose and weaken your writings impact. Here’s a list of common filler words & phrases to watch out for, grouped by type, along with why they’re problematic and what to do instead: Filler Words & Phrases to Watch Out…
-
Continue reading →: 50 cliché phrases to avoid when writing fiction.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of writing clichés without meaning to. They stick in our minds and poor out our finger tips with such ease. These phrases get old fast, they come across as tired, and loose impact in your prose. Here’s a list of 50, by…
-
Continue reading →: 📖 Book Review: A Victim at Valentine’s (A Secret Bookcase Mystery Book 5)Ellie Alexander’s ‘A Victim at Valentine’s’ is the fifth installment in the A Secret Bookcase Mysteries, featuring Annie, a budding detective. Set in a charming bookshop during a dating event, the story unfolds with a murder that Annie must investigate. The engaging narrative and unique characters make it a cozy…
-
Continue reading →: The Role of Archetypes in Sci-Fi and Fantasy CharactersToday, we’ll be discussing archetypes in science fiction and fantasy. Specifically, as they apply to protagonists (main characters), antagonists (the bad guys) and secondary characters (sidekicks, love interests, companions, etc). What is an archetype? An archetype is like a blueprint for your characters. The “Hero” archetype is a pattern or…
-
Continue reading →: Secrets and Lies: Character Connections Explored
Let’s talk a little about character relationships. If we take a look at our personal friendship circles, you can often be surprised to realise that some of your closest, most intimate friends do not actually know each other. Close friends may know a little about your other friends, from what…
-
Things I never thought I’d need to google – episode 01
Published by
on
Continue reading →: Things I never thought I’d need to google – episode 01As a writer, I often find myself researching unexpected topics. Recently, I delved into rodeo terms for a scene in my work. Read on to see how successful that was.
-
Continue reading →: 15 Writing Exercises15 writing exercises, including word association, character sketch, dialogue only, sensory description, and more. The exercises aim to help writers warm up creatively, with a focus on relaxation and fun.
-
Continue reading →: How do you find your voice as a writer?Finding your unique writing voice is crucial for standing out. Authors like Terry Pratchett and Robert Jordan had distinctive styles. To develop your voice, immerse yourself in diverse literature, analyze what you read, and pay attention to details. Engage with your genre’s community, avoid cliches, and embrace the rewriting process.…
-
Continue reading →: Benefits of Daily Writing ExercisesWriting exercises are crucial for creativity and skill development. Just like physical exercise, they can be done in short bursts and offer benefits like trying new writing styles, overcoming writer’s block, and honing specific skills. Consistency is key, and various exercises like image prompts, daily pages, and making lists can…

