In this episode, Ryan and I discuss the current writing on television and how it is a reflection of competition with writing in cinema, and is much better in many ways. What makes television writing so much better lately and how can the indie writer bank on that wave of good work? We also lament theContinue reading “New Podcast Up: Television Writing & Sci-Fi Awards”
Tag Archives: how to write well
Tolkien’s 10 Tips for Creating Epic Heroes
One of my most popular posts is Tolkien’s 10 Tips for Writers, in which I glean from J.R.R. Tolkien’s letters of his wisdom about writing. Today I will delve into his letters again, but will focus on the epic character Aragorn and ask Professor Tolkien how he created great characters. 1. Motivational Mirrors – TolkienContinue reading “Tolkien’s 10 Tips for Creating Epic Heroes”
5 Problems Facing Novelists and How to Overcome Them
I have always wanted to be a novelist. Of course this requires that I spend countless hours in front of a computer screen working, many more hours promoting myself, building my platform and generally getting my name out there. Over the years, I have found that there are several “hobgoblins” that will grab a novelist’sContinue reading “5 Problems Facing Novelists and How to Overcome Them”
Organic Unity: A Good Novelist’s Added Edge
As an English teacher, I have read and taught much great literature. I have a stack of great writing to draw from when writing my own stories. What makes these writers great is their ability to write organically unified text. A novel has organic unity not just when the story is well conceived, but whenContinue reading “Organic Unity: A Good Novelist’s Added Edge”
Lazy Writing and How to Avoid It
I’ve been teaching writing for almost 14 years and have been writing fiction for 25. It has been my experience that anyone can write well if given the proper tools and education. Usually someone tip-toes into my classroom with their short story or poem or random work of fiction under their arm. They hold itContinue reading “Lazy Writing and How to Avoid It”
Gone, Gone: Are All the Good Ideas Gone?
In the crazy firestorm that is the major motion picture The Hunger Games we need to stop a moment and realize with a small whimper of sadness that all the good ideas may be used up. Don’t judge me. The Hunger Games has a nice narrative, flows well, tells a good story and is all-in-allContinue reading “Gone, Gone: Are All the Good Ideas Gone?”
Writing Is Hard Work 