M.L. Desir's Blog, page 24
August 11, 2019
Coming In Late! (Depression and Anxiety Advise)
Straight real talk. I love Charles’ blog. He often has the most relatable content, hilarious memes, and I’ve learned a lot following him. He’s someone I’d like to get to know face-to-face, but for now this will have to do. Here’s a great snippet from his latest blog post on depression and anxiety: “You also have those who claim mental illness for attention or as a way to get out of criticism. Can’t tell you how many people I’ve run into who say ‘That’s just my OCD’ when they’re really just tr...
August 6, 2019
How music took down Puerto Rico’s governor
Behold, the power of music.
In the Washington Post, Verónica Dávila and Marisol LeBrón recently wrote on “perreo combativo” [contestatory or combative perreo—perreo is the dance style associated with reggaetón] and underground music, which “overcame censors to gain popularity and political power” in the context of the massive protests and creative demonstrations that forced former governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign in Puerto Rico.
On July 24, Puerto Ricans made history whe...
5 timeless pieces of advice from Beloved author Toni Morrison
Few writers consistently and exuded as much visionary force as beloved author Toni Morrison, who has died today at the age of 88. The author of 11 novels, she won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993, having published her first novel, The Bluest Eye, in 1970.
In her stunning Nobel prize acceptance speech (which you can read and listen to in full right here on Nothing in the Rulebook), she said: “We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may b...
July 30, 2019
What Matters More? Story Execution or the Idea? – by Janice Hardy…
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog
The age-old quandary–is a well-written novel novel better than a great idea?
Idea or execution. Two directions many writers struggle with.
Should they write the technically perfect book and not worry about the idea, or find the perfect story and not worry about the writing?
The realty is that each takes precedence at different points of a writer’s career.
Continue reading HEREJuly 17, 2019
7 Tips to Writing Factions in Fiction
Fairy Tail Guild
Many stories have a ‘faction’ part of their world. It can be obvious with feuding guilds or opposing armies. Other times, you can miss it because you’re only introduced to one of the groups and merely hear about the others. You can even have factions turn up in a more modern setting in the form of cliques and other 21st century lingo. So, what are some things to consider when creating factions?
They don’t always have to be political or religious. ...Jamaica Is Using Bob Marley’s Legacy to Market Austerity
The reggae icon would be embarrassed by his country’s attempts to rebrand a disastrous ideology.
A report by Keston Perry for The Nation.
Our thanks to Liz DeLoughrey for bringing this item to our attention.
The island nation of Jamaica holds a special, almost spiritual significance for many people of color, as well as for anyone concerned about advancing equality and justice in the world. It is the birthplace of the Rastafari movement, reggae, dancehall—and democratic soc...
5 Mistakes Male Authors Make When Writing Female Characters [Guest Post]
You may have watched or heard of the “reality TV show” What Not to Wear. Well, this post is about what not to write when it comes to female characters. Though I’m not a dude, I want to make sure I never fall into these male gaze problems, due to the patriarchal society that I live in. #WriterWednesday #WritingSmarter #That’sWhatHeSaid
If you enjoyed this post, why not stay in touch to receive more? Subscribers also receive a free ebook on the craft of writing, lists of publishe...
Review: Magic for Liars
Oooh, I love book reviews! #WriterWednesday
You can find Magic For Liars on sale at Amazon or any fine independent retailer. I listened to the Audiobook and have to say that I love Xe Sands as a narrator.
You may have noticed from my work that I’m a sucker for magic. Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey is a fantastic debut novel that is pouring with power and prophesy.
Non-Spoiler Description: When a teacher at a prestigious magic school is seemingly murdered, Private Inve...
[Poll Results] Overused Character Tropes in Fantasy
Thank you, Richie, for this fabulously informational post! I will use this to plan my fantasy WIP.
Declutter that Novel! Is it Time to Marie Kondo Your WIP? – by Anne R. Allen…
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog
Recently I’ve seen sad posts by a number of new writers who are having trouble marketing a self-published debut novel, or are discouraged by numerous rejections. Some are furious at the world for not loving their stuff.
In a lot of their work, I see the same problem. It’s usually right there in the title or on the cover (if the cover is homemade.)
The books are too cluttered. The authors are hoarding too many characters, themes and messages. It’s time for...
