Sue Bradford Edwards's Blog, page 36

A Right Way and a Wrong Way to Use Social Media

I follow a variety of authors on Twitter and Bluesky. I’ve signed up for emails from some of them. Others, I will never let send me something via email. Why is that? Because of what they post on social media. Two of my favorites are Neal Gaiman and Stephen King. I’m not delusional. I’m sure … Continue reading A Right Way and a Wrong Way to Use Social Media →

How I Learned to Write

This cartoon definitely describes how I learned to write. A small part of the learning comes from theory — writing classes, articles, and how-to books. My very first class was with Pat McKissack. It was a continuing education class at the Jewish Community Center. The university would have been much more convenient but I’m so … Continue reading How I Learned to Write →

When You Don’t Know What You’re Writing About

Do you play it safe and write about things you know? Hmm. That sounded rude, but it shouldn’t. A lot of writers focus on whatever they are an expert in — cooking, decorating, publicity, etc. My cousin is working on a self-help book. It covers what he does for a living. Honestly? Capitalizing on what … Continue reading When You Don’t Know What You’re Writing About →

Comp Titles

Comp titles.  Say the phrase and watch writers shudder and swoon.  We hate trying to come up with good comp titles. For those of you who don’t recognize the term, comp is short for competing titles. That said, I’ve also heard people say it stands for complimentary titles. Personally, I would go with competing. Comp … Continue reading Comp Titles →

All It Takes is One Idea to Help Your Brain Engage

When we were in Austin, the boys decided we were going to the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco. As much as I love museums, this one was not my favorite. First of all, it meant a 2.5 hour round trip added on to the 12.5 hour drive home. I had a feeling that I knew … Continue reading All It Takes is One Idea to Help Your Brain Engage →

Beginning a Graphic Memoir

On our drive to Austin and back, I found myself jotting down ideas for a graphic memoir. My list is over three pages long. And I’m sure more scenes will come to me as I begin to work. I want to jump into the drawings. I really, really want to experiment with some computer drawing. … Continue reading Beginning a Graphic Memoir →

Where Do Ideas Come From?

Where do ideas come from? All along here. We just made a 5 day trip, covering 1700+ miles to visit my aunt. No, it would not have been easier to fly for a wide variety of reasons. Let’s just say, “It takes a village.” And if we had flown, I would not have this book … Continue reading Where Do Ideas Come From? →

Road Trips and Writing

I made this graphic while I was playing with Microsoft Designer. I wanted to let everyone know I was “out of the office” on a road trip. I’ll be back tomorrow with posts about the experience to share. And yes, they will be writing related. There are two schools of thought re: writing and road … Continue reading Road Trips and Writing →

Novellas: The Joy of Something Short

Not long ago the members of my book club had an interesting discussion. One of the women has been so busy. She just doesn’t feel like the has the mental energy to dive into a vast book. Another woman has been sick. She wanted an easy literary win. My husband and I listen to audio … Continue reading Novellas: The Joy of Something Short →

Outlining

There are a number of different ways to brainstorm, outline, or otherwise organize a manuscript. One of my writing friends loves mind maps. If you’ve never used a mind map (see above), your central idea goes into the center circle. Supporting ideas go into the secondary circles. Then the tertiary circles off those contain supporting … Continue reading Outlining →