Writing New Worlds
Today's writing prompt is an interesting one. I tend to veer toward the long-winded when I write, and I find myself trimming big chunks when I revise. Word count isn't an issue for me. Keeping a project within my upper ceiling, however, is. So when I found this one, I recoiled. Brevity is important, but …
Continue reading "The Writing Prompt Project, part 6: SADNESS, IN FOUR WORDS"
I love writing dialogue. If I'm honest, it's always my favorite part of a scene—both to read and write. Dialogue offers the clearest glimpse into your characters' personalities. You can show their spunk, their humour, their sorrow, their overbearing mother-hen tendencies. Dialogue can be a lot of fun and extremely effective, but it can also …
Now that I've thundered ahead into the project I decided I wasn't starting yet, I've hit a brick wall that I remember very well. And I still hate it. Detail planning! I'm sure most of you know this. You're filled with excitement for the story brewing in your head. You know the general story and …
Fantasy fiction takes many shapes. But one of the most common themes is magic. Because of this, creating your own fantasy world demands the creation of your own magic system. Magic can be simple or complex. It can stem from any number of inspirations and can fill any role you can dream for it to …
Continue reading "Developing a Magic System, part 1: The Components"
So this one kind of came out of nowhere. I was flipping through the prompts as usual, and I guess I was in a sentimental mood. As soon as I read this one, an image popped into my head and I couldn’t get it out. I hope you like this installment, and I'm so interested …
Continue reading "The Writing Prompt Project, part 5: THE GIRL BENEATH THE BED"
Show, don't tell! Have you heard those words enough times yet to hate them? That red pen circling your sentences, "Show, don't tell!" written beside them in the margin. Have you ever wanted to throw the paper back and jam that red pen up their nose? If not, you're lucky. Or maybe just less creatively …
I called my mom not too long ago. We exchanged the usual pleasantries (How is everything on your end? How are the kids?), then I moved forward with a "So mom, I have a quick question for you." By now, my mom has learned to approach this transition with a very open mind. Today, I …
I almost passed this prompt by. It brought to mind the first thing that likely will go through your head too when you read it. Though maybe the first thing in your mind will be something completely different. That's the point of this, after all. Eh, it's been done, I figured, scrolling down. Then I …
Continue reading "The Writing Prompt Project, part 4: AFTER"
This was a writing prompt I stumbled across a long time ago. It stuck with me, but I was never sure what to do with it. I finally felt the spark, so here you go. Disclaimer: As usual, I take no credit for the writing prompt featured. This is an exercise of taking a presented …
Continue reading "The Writing Prompt Project, part 3: CAMP WHITEPINE"
If you ask someone what sticks with them most after reading a book, the answer is usually the same: The characters. Reading a novel is not a light endeavor. You're devoting hours of your life (or days, or longer) to another person's imagination, investing yourself into their words. Plot carries you through the movements, but …
