Julie Duffy's Blog, page 14

Release The Hounds (aka ‘your stories’)

As I sit here, thinking about what I want to achieve over the next year as a writer, that generosity of spirit is something I want to keep in focus…

Leave the Dark Night of the Soul Behind

...after which, the hero assembles their team, recognizes the strengths of others in helping them fulfill their quest, and starts making good decisions, at last....

Lessons in microfiction

Look how these five words transform everything…

Everything Starts With A Story

In 1802 Albert Mathieu-Favier began telling people a story. Imagine, he said, a tunnel that dives under the sea that separates France from England. It will be lit by oil lamps, and big enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through. Here, he said, is an island where the drivers will change horses. Here, he … Continue reading "Everything Starts With A Story"

Make a plan

To ease eye strain, experts recommend that every 20 minutes we focus our eyes on something further away than our screens–ideally at least 20ft away– for at least 20 seconds. As a trained historian, I feel the same way about the news: current events are thisclose. It wouldn’t hurt us to make a concerted effort … Continue reading "Make a plan"

Reading Short Stories

What to do if you don't love reading short stories

When Stories Aren’t Working

I’m sitting here at my desk: time to write, a story to work on, all my tools on my desk. And I’m stuck. (Actually I’m not stuck anymore, and that’s why I’m writing this: so that when you find yourself in this situation, you might remember what I’m about to tell you and get yourself … Continue reading "When Stories Aren’t Working"

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Writing Character Reactions

What writing character reactions can teach you about being a writer...

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Being You is the Best Way To Market Your Writing

Show, Don't Tell during the One-Story Challenge, AND don't be afraid of marketing your writing!

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Day 02 – Write Your Opening, Brainstorm the Middle

Write the opening of your story and plan to move past it

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