Elizabeth Spann Craig's Blog, page 253

Enliven Your Writing, Part 1

Have you ever run into really flat writing?

It's the kind of wooden writing you see from many non-writers. Desultory, lifeless. There's no passion at all in it…just a straight narrative. A retelling of events.

It can be a trait for newbie writers, too. Eager to cross their t's and dot their i's, they might lose the energy and excitement in the passages they're penning.

I've even read scenes in published books that seem really flat. It's like the writer wasn't even trying that day....

Creating Unlikeable Characters

My daughter was a little bored yesterday afternoon, so I offered to play a game with her. I didn't want to play a long game with her (like Monopoly), and it happened that there was a deck of Old Maid cards very handy.

She did not want to play that game.

When I finally persuaded her to play, she shrieked whenever she got the card and did everything in her power to give it back to me. She was a wreck.

Luck was on her side and she won 2 out of 3 games. The one she lost really upset her. ...

Classes

As I mentioned on Thursday, you don't have to spend a lot of money to become a better writer. You can use your library card and get more information than you can ever find time to absorb.

Sometimes, though, we need a little extra help. When I was writing my first book, I was definitely aware of areas where I had shortcomings. I wanted more information on "show, don't tell." I wanted to know how to write a well-crafted synopsis. I wanted to learn more about creating well-rounded...

Talented Characters

Yesterday I stretched myself a little.

The stretching exercise involved the garbage disposal, which spitefully kicked the bucket on New Year's Day, following a visit by my husband's family.

I grabbed the phone number of the appliance repairman to throw myself on his mercy.

My husband, on the other hand, was intrigued. What was wrong with the garbage disposal? "Look--there's something lodged in there," he said. "Can you get me some pliers?"

I gave him a dubious look. Were pliers the ...

July 8th Resolutions

Originally posted July 8, 2009:

I'm making some new resolutions. Why not? Why make January 1 the only date where we impose formidable goals for ourselves? Besides, I'm tired of the January resolutions (that maybe didn't work out so well.)

Actually, I sort of like the idea of a mid-year goal. Yes---I know. The year is more than ...

14 Reasons Why Libraries are Writers' Best Friends

You don't have to spend a lot of money to become a better writer. That's a good thing because most writers don't have a ton of money to throw around.

The library has all the resources a writer needs. It's always been one of my favorite places on Earth. Here are the reasons why libraries are writers' best friends:

Research

*Researching your book: Libraries have computers with internet capabilities. They have books and periodicals on a multitude of different subjects. They also have...

What I've Learned in the Last Year

Time for all the year-end retrospectives. I sort of like them…but sort of not. So mine is more of a recap of things I learned this year and resources I gathered.

January—I discovered that you can get out of jury duty by being a mystery writer. Yes, there I was, pen and notebook in hand. I was completely ready to do my civic duty—and get an insider's view on courtroom proceedings for a criminal trial. The defendant's attorney? He did not want me there. I guess if you're a lawyer...

Tunnel Vision

I've frequently been guilty of tunnel vision. I'm very Type A, and to me, staying the course sometimes means completing a project or train of thought.

You've sent me a Christmas card? You're on my Christmas card list for life. I will continue sending you a card each year until I have proof of your demise in triplicate.

Change in schedule? I try to continue the original game plan for the day, while incorporating the change. In years past this meant carrying a squalling, unhappy...

The Unexpected

Have you ever watched something unexpected happen?

My daughter was a cute baby. She was roly-poly and liked singing to herself in baby babble. Her hair stuck straight up and her serious eyes stared directly at or through you.

When cooing strangers in the grocery store came up to my baby? She'd fire them an unblinking, belligerent glare that could curdle milk. Then she'd recoil--withdraw her arm, her head, her whole body from the stranger's looming proximity. She looked like an outraged a...

Having a Writer for a Mom

Cool:

Tell your friends your mother writes books. Have them convinced you're a liar. Have Mom verify later she actually does write. Maximum impact! Your name is in actual, printed books (because Mom can't resist putting you in the book somehow.) You meet other writers sometimes.

Not Cool:

The teacher will definitely ask Mom to teach a class on writing at some point during the school year. And your mom can be soooo embarrassing. If your mom is a...