Why AI Grammar Programs Are Problematic
This may be a controversial blog for some. Sorry about that, but I feel strongly about good writing and voice, which are in danger when using AI grammar programs. In the last blog, I wrote about the fastest ways to kill your voice and AI featured prominently. Today,...
Fastest Way to Kill Your Writing Voice
Your writing voice can be as powerful as your speaking voice, if you don’t kill it It’s as much of you as your face, hair, and fingerprints. But more importantly, your voice is how you stand out on the page. It’s what makes your writing sound like you. The stronger...
The Fantasy of a Perfect Setup to Write
Do you ever see a writer in a film or television show and think “If only I had that setup, I could write a bestseller”? It’s so easy to get caught up in the idea there’s a perfect place, desk, pen, situation that would change everything for our writing. But it’s a...
Special Notice for Subscribers
Dear Friend, Remember me? I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from Figments & Fables and I apologize for that. Thank you so much for supporting Figments & Fables, especially during my extended sabbatical. I’m humbled so many of you remained...Creating a Solid Writing Process: Finding What Works for You (Part 2 of 2)
Finding a productive writing process can help the act of writing come easier to you and reduce the friction associated with writing.
Creating a Solid Writing Process: Finding What Works for You (Part 1 of 2)
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.
Top 12 Tips for Critiquing Someone Else’s Work
I am often asked to critique my friends’ work. I consider it an occupational hazard. Of course, I also offer manuscript critiques as part of my business. I enjoy doing them, but recognize they can present a few challenges and always proceed with caution.
9 More Signs of Amateur Writing and How to Fix Them (Part 2 of 2)
The last blog outlined nine signs of amateur writing and how to fix them. This blog continues that list with another nine ways new writers show their inexperience.
Here is the second set of nine signs of amateur writers and how to fix them:
9 Signs of Amateur Writing & How to Fix Them (Part 1 of 2)
Writing is a skill. It takes time to master. That doesn’t mean you can’t earn a living writing before you achieve an expert level, but you will need to refine your skills to have a career.
Here are 9 signs of amateur writing and how to avoid them:
Interrogating Your Characters: How Asking Questions Will Lead to Stronger Writing (Part 2 of 2)
In Part I of this series, we examined some ways to dig deeper into your characters’ motivation and figure out their stakes in the plot. Now let’s go even farther by asking your characters:
Interrogating Your Characters: How Asking Questions Will Lead to Stronger Stories (Part 1 of 2)
The only thing that matters in fiction is why. Why does what is happening matter to the protagonist and other characters? Why should we care? It’s not enough for things to happen to your characters. You have to know what it means to each of them and how it affects their lives. This means you need to know what makes your characters tick. Why they make the choices they do. Why they react the way they do. Why they don’t just walk away.