by Susan Lovett | Apr 12, 2022 | Blog, Story, Writer's Tools, Writing |
So far in this series, we’ve looked at the difference between a TV Series Pitch Bible and a Series Bible, and how to develop the first of these. Now let’s look at how to expand your initial efforts into a broader, more complete bible to serve as a receptacle for all the details and elements contained within the series.
by Susan Lovett | Mar 29, 2022 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Writer's Tools, Writing Career |
Writers have entire worlds in their heads, filled with characters, locations, stories, and consequences. It’s a lot to keep track of when creating a story or series, which is why series bibles exist.
by Susan Lovett | Jan 4, 2022 | A Writer's Life, Motivation |
The start of a new year always comes with a sense of new beginnings and a refreshed attitude. Making resolutions to write more and finish that novel go hand-in-hand with renewed energy. The problem is making that energy last beyond the second week. Sticking to those resolutions until they are fulfilled or underway and part of a new routine.
by Susan Lovett | Dec 14, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Writer's Tools |
Finding a productive writing process can help the act of writing come easier to you and reduce the friction associated with writing.
by Susan Lovett | Dec 7, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Writer's Tools |
Gift ideas for the writer and reader in your life, even if that’s you. Here is the 2021 holiday gift guide from Figments & Fables.
by Susan Lovett | Nov 23, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Motivation |
The hardest part about writing is starting. It’s like anything else in life, taking those first steps takes more energy than it does to keep going.
by Susan Lovett | Nov 2, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Freelancing, Motivation, Writing Career |
Writers get rejected. It’s part of the job. But the frequency with which it happens doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.
Recently I threw my name into consideration for a contract position I wanted. It would have meant a significant cut in my rate, but an increase in my quality of life. I would have been writing about a topic that would have brought me joy. It was a job I also would have excelled at doing. But therein lies the problem—I was overqualified and too expensive. Or maybe they just didn’t like my pitch or tone or samples. Who knows? I never heard. It was one of those situations where you apply and hear crickets.
by Susan Lovett | Oct 5, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Reading |
Does it matter whether you fill your head with the classics or modern books? Manga or SciFi/Fantasy? Romance or nonfiction? The top 100 books by NPR or the Rory Gilmore Challenge? Does what you read matter as much as the fact that you are reading?
by Susan Lovett | Aug 31, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Motivation |
The sight of school supplies lined up in boxes in colorful store displays brings back memories. There is something magical seeing those pencils sharpened and ready to write new words and stories. It’s a writer’s dream. Even when I was a grade school student, I loved the colors and feel of pencils. Later, I became obsessed with pens and have boxes of them stashed in my office supply closet.
They contain possibilities. Words still unwritten. Stories begging to be released.
by Susan Lovett | Aug 10, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Writer's Tools |
Summer is fading, even if the heat persists. It’s back-to-school time and the sales of pens, paper, and notebooks are calling to me as they always do.
by Susan Lovett | Jul 20, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Blog, Motivation |
Lots of people talk about writing and being a writer. They dream about book signings and being famous, the photo on the back of the cover, the money. What few do is embrace what it takes to get there. The hard days/nights of work and the roller coaster of emotions that are inevitable. Even fewer actually sit down and write.
If you want to be one of this small group, ask yourself these three questions:
by Susan Lovett | Jul 13, 2021 | A Writer's Life, Reference, Research |
Studying is an eternal state of being for writers. It’s our lifeblood–how we hone our craft and add depth to our work. As Gary Paulson says, “If you want to be a good writer, you’ve got to read like a wolf eats.” I believe that applies to studying too.