Elizabeth Spann Craig's Blog, page 28

Want Lifelike Characters? Create a Character Bible

by Angela Ackerman, @onestop4writers

Some characters are so dynamic on the page it’s easy to imagine them as real people. Everything they say, do, and think is consistent with who they are, they have a past and present, and readers never have to guess at what they feel, want, or need.

This type of authenticity comes about because the writer has invested a good amount of time getting to know the character inside and out, and they kept information about them on hand so they could reference it throughout writing and revising to avoid character-specific mistakes.

And mistakes do happen. We forget things about our characters as we go— Does Emma fear lizards, or birds? —or we change our mind, deciding mid-book Liam is into skateboarding, not parkour. Either way, nothing pulls readers out of the story faster than when details shift mid-story, so we need a system to help us keep each character straight. And this is where a Character Bible can really come in handy.

What is a Character Bible, and how do I create one?

A character bible is a document that contains personal details about a character that you can reference as you write and revise. It will have everything from your character’s appearance and preferences to their backstory wounds, goals, and needs. Not only will building one help you keep track of important details, but you’ll also find you’ve really gotten into their skin and discovered who they are, and that will make it so much easier to write their actions, choices, and behavior in the story.

How detailed your bible is depends on how important the character is, but here’s some things you may wish to write down:

Appearance

What does your character look like? Do they have any interesting features that suggest the type of person they are? For example, their hair: is their go-to a messy bun, is it chronically unwashed, or is every curl carefully tamed? Or do their clothes suggest a style preference or level of wealth? Do they have scars, marks, or defects that hint at an experience or trauma? Sharing a few specific details can help readers visualize the character and get a sense of who they are.

Backstory

Your character had a past before they arrived at the doorstep of this story, and the people and experiences part of their past will have shaped them into who they are today. So, who was influential in this character’s life in good ways and bad? What challenges have they overcome? What negative experiences (emotional wounds) have soured them on certain people or the world in general? What is their greatest achievement to date? Answering some of these will give you a good sense of what their past looked like, and how they may carry some things forward, like emotional baggage, or a sense of duty, a compulsion to fix people, etc.

Personality Traits

Every character will have a unique personality made up of positive traits (strengths & identity markers) and negative traits (flaws that tend to keep people and situations at a distance so the character can avoid being hurt by them). Think about both halves – this character’s defining positive qualities, and also ones that create friction with others or cause them problems in life.

Moral & Spiritual Beliefs

All characters, even the baddies, have their own moral code. What beliefs are so important to your character they will sacrifice other things to stay true to them? Where is their line in the sand? How do they show integrity, and what ideas are important enough to them to protect?

Emotional Range & Behaviors

Each person expresses themselves in a unique way, and characters will too. Think about each character as an individual – are they open and communicative about feelings, or keep it all inside? Ae they reactive and demonstrative, or more reserved? Do they have certain quirks? Are they extroverted or introverted, or somewhere in the middle? Understanding the basics of your character’s emotional responses will help you write their actions and dialogue in a way that lines up.

Fears and Misbeliefs

Every character will have had negative experiences that left behind a fear that it could happen again and cause that same emotional pain. What does that fear look like for your character? And has life’s unkind treatment left them feeling somehow less? Do they believe they are not worthy of trust, friendship, love, responsibility, or praise? Do they believe they are defective in some way, or not deserving of happiness? Knowing the answers here will help you see how they must cast aside this lie and see themselves and/or the world differently to move past what is holding them back.

Talents, Skills, and Abilities

All characters will have a few things they are good at, or abilities that make them unique. Giving your character a talent or skill that will in the end help them achieve their goal (even in an unexpected way) can create a great sense of synchronicity for readers.

Likes and Dislikes

What are some of your character’s preferences…and why? Will these preferences steer their behavior in the story in good ways and bad? (Yes, the answer is yes.)

Hobbies, Interests, and Passions

What does your character enjoy doing? For a character to be realistic, they should have a few things personal to them that make life more enjoyable, things that may have nothing to do with their mission in the story. These things humanize them, and even if they don’t end up in your story, they’ll help you view them as someone rounded and real.

Current Situation

Just like a character has a past, they have a present, too.  Note a few details about where they live, what their family situation is like, what job they do, the vehicle they use to get around, and any routines or habits that might show up in the story.

What They Want Most

Every character wants something – a goal that will make their situation better and leave them happier or more complete. This is what you’re your character is striving to do or achieve in your story.

What They Need

Sometimes what your character wants and what they need are a bit different. Maybe your character wants a new girlfriend to get past the pain of their latest breakup, but what they need is time to look after themselves and understand why they keep choosing toxic partners. This could lead to better understanding what’s missing in their life, and their true goal will be something that completes them, filling this missing need.

Secrets

Every character has a secret (maybe more than a few!) so think about what they are hiding from others. Is there something that could create big problems for them if it was revealed, or does it tie into their unresolved emotional wound? (Readers love secrets, and a hint of one will keep them flipping pages.)

Worldview

How do they view the world – do they believe most people are good, or untrustworthy? Do they put others first, or look out for number one? Do they have biases, avoid certain places and experiences because they have preconceived ideas about what will happen, or refuse to listen to certain opinions that go against their own? If so, try to understand how this might tie to their backstory experiences.

Insecurities & Sensitivities

Life is not always gentle, and experiences where your character’s ego was bruised, or their emotions upended may have left them feeling insecure or easily triggered. If there are emotions your character tries to avoid feeling, or situations they stay away from because they make them feel weak, inept, or emotionally volatile, make a note. These are all pointing to past pain, and you might wish to use them in the story to push them to become more self-aware so they can start a journey to healing.

Whew, that’s a lot of planning, I know! But wow, think of how well you’ll know your character after this brainstorming, and writing it down gives you a reference to turn to when you need it.

TIP: Create a Character Bible the Easy Way

Character Bibles contain a lot of information, meaning it takes time to uncover their inner layers. If you’d like to use a tool that helps you brainstorm faster & creates a character profile that becomes your Character Bible, try the Character Builder at One Stop for Writers.

This Character Builder contains a massive database of character information that will help you create a character from the ground up, planning their backstory, behavior, skills, goals, personality, fears, and everything else listed above.

It also uses psychology to help you see which details will be important for character arc and connects dots for you. For example, if you decide your character is manipulative, the tool shows you all the possible emotional wounds that might have caused this negative trait to form. It also lists the behaviors a manipulative person will exhibit, and more. Or if you decide your character is a teacher, the tool shows you a list of positive traits, skills, and more that someone who does this job will probably have. With a click, you can any traits or skills you wish, and as one decision leads to another, very soon you have a rounded, authentic character.

This profile becomes your Character Bible, and if you make changes as you write, it’s easy to update. To see an example, here’s a Character Bible I created. If you want to try the tool for yourself, the free trial lets you design a character profile for online use.

Are You Writing a Series?

While your characters will evolve in some ways over the course of a story, some things will stay the same, and as Elizabeth notes, we can get fuzzy on details when time passes between books. So, if you plan on writing multiple books in the same world, you may want to create a Series Bible to track characters, settings, important events, and other details that reoccur. This way everything is consistent book to book.

Have you created a Character Bible before? Let me know in the comments!

 

Angela Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, and its many sequels. Available in nine languages, her guides are sourced by US universities, recommended by agents and editors, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, and psychologists around the world. To date, this book collection has sold over 900,000 copies.

Angela is also the co-founder of the popular site Writers Helping Writers, as well as One Stop for Writers, a portal to game-changing tools and resources that enable writers to craft powerful fiction. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The post Want Lifelike Characters? Create a Character Bible appeared first on Elizabeth Spann Craig.

Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Business / MiscellaneousDamage Control for Authors: @dkparsonswriter @SelfPubFormWriting a Cover Letter for a Job in the Publishing Industry: @CatapultStoryEstate Planning For Authors: @MichaelLaRonn @thecreativepennWhat Five Years with a Predatory Vanity Press Taught Me About Art and Success: @alexa_writer @lithubSelf-publishing News: Spotify Launches Audiobooks. Join in through Findaway Voices: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIHow Creatives Can Get Along With Business Types: @helpfulsnowmanHow to Make a Boxset and Other Ways to Repurpose Your Books: by Kelsey Worsham @WrittenWordMConferences and Events / MiscellaneousUS National Book Awards 2022 Longlist: Fiction: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesAt Frankfurter Buchmesse: A ‘Spotlight on Africa': @Porter_Anderson @Book_Fair @pubperspectivesThe German Book Prize Announces Its 2022 Shortlist: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesUAE: Sharjah Book Authority's New Awards Honor Rights Professionals: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesThe UK's £62,000 Baillie Gifford Prize Names Its 2022 Longlist: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCanada's $75,000 Cundill History Prize: 2022 Shortlist: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / InspirationTurns Out, Story Ideas are Everywhere: @BeingTheWriter @womenonwritingCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersHorror: 10 Authors You Should Be Reading Right Now: @richardgthomas3 @LitReactor9 Novels That Don't Fear the Reaper: @cocolarolo @electriclit7 YA Novels That Bring Color to Dark Academia: @NzingaAku @ElectricLitCozy to Cold-Blooded: Celebrity Sleuths: @avonlea79 @DIYMFACrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Betty Rowlands’ Murder at Hawthorn Cottage: @MargotKinbergCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Writing QuicklyHow to Form Your Bestseller in 10 Days: @jamesscottbell @killzoneauthorsCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeHow Do You Become a Writer? | @jaredklegar @CatapultStoryAn Alternative to Traditional Time Management: @Daria_White15 @DIYMFAWhat I Wish I Knew As a Younger Writer: @saribottonFeatured Writer on Wellness: Sara Hosey: @HoseySara
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Or: How to Base a Character on Yourself: by Jincy Willett @lithubTruth in Blurbing: @TerryShamesGenres / HistoricalInside Your Historical Characters’ Heads: by Abigail Cutter @DIYMFAHistorical Fiction Writing Tips: by Ellie Midwood @WomenWritersGenres / HorrorThe Horror of the American West: by Harrison and Matt Query @CrimeReadsGenres / MemoirFrom travel journalism to inner journeys: @munderamedia on writing his first memoir: @Roz_MorrisWriting An Authentic Memoir, Interview with Writer and Ghostwriter Kelly Madrone: @GoodStoryCoGenres / MysteryThe Freedom to Write Less Likeable Characters in Crime Fiction: @sonya_lalli @CrimeReadsThe Slow Leak: Dripping Out Those Clues: @nlholmesbooks @FloridaWriters1Planting Clues in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergThe Curious Case of the Cozy: @AliceMCastle @MandSMagazineThe History of the Florida Everglades Is a History of Crime and Mystery: by T.L. Finlay @CrimeReadsFour Mistakes That Will Doom Your Mystery. 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Here Are 9 Signs: @KMWeilandWriting Craft / POVWhy Deep POV Isn’t Working And How To Fix It: @LisaHallWilsonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingFive Act Structure: Definition, Origin, Examples, and Whether You Should Use It In Your Writing: @joebunting @write_practiceWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / Story BeatsThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Novel Beat Sheet Analysis: @marilynbrant @savethecatWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesWriters, Are You Using Your Beta Readers Wrong? @MorganHzlwoodAsking a Non-Reader: Working Out Manuscript Problems with an Outsider’s Perspective: by Rebecca A. CorioWriting Craft / ScenesTake the Work Out of Writing a Scene: @Janice_HardyWriting Craft / Settings and DescriptionWhy Write About a Place That’s Not On the Map? by Adria Bernardi @CrimeReadsWriting Tools / AppsHow to Write a Book Using Microsoft Word: @DaveChessonHow to Write a Book Using Google Docs: @DaveChessonWriting Tools / BooksGo-To Writing Books: by Erica Vetsch @SKRViLL

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An Exercise in Character Development

By Joanna Campbell Slan @joannaslan 

A curious thing happened in the midst of banging out the words. I found a new way to learn more about my characters and to make them more individualistic. While writing Tuesday Trash and Trouble: Book #3 in the Friday Night Mystery Club Series, I described a scene where four female characters go to a birthday party. As I considered what each woman wore, I had to stop, think, and fine-tune the differences among them. I’ve written about these women’s clothes before, but I’d never put four of the characters together in one scene where they were involved in such a specific activity. It was that juxtaposition—shared purpose and activity, versus individual personalities—that forced me to work through their clothing choices.

Here’s a snippet of the scene where the characters are in a car together, on their way to the event:

All three of us must have been tuned to the same cosmic vibes. Zee wore neatly pressed jeans with a crease down each leg. My jeans were not pressed, and a little faded, but still my nicest pair. As for tops, Zee wore a creamy blouse with a Victorian high collar. Rosie’s peasant blouse was white and sprinkled with colorful embroidered flowers. I had on a white button-collar blouse that I often wore to work. The fact that we’d all chosen variations on a theme made me feel confident we’d fit in. At least, we matched each other!

When a fourth friend (Winnie) joins them, she’s wearing jeans and a white St. Louis Cardinals jersey.

Thinking through this scene was a good exercise for me. The clothing choices offered me a way to reflect the women’s personalities. As you might guess, Zee is a bit prudish and tightly wound. The narrator, Cragan Collins, is forever short of money and time. Rosie is a proud Latina, and the last person to join the group (Winnie) is a keen women’s softball player.

In the future, I plan to write more ensemble scenes, showing characters and their unique choices as a way to underscore their differences. Even if those scenes don’t make it into the final draft of my book, the exercise will sharpen my insights. In turn, my readers will surely find the people in my books more realistic. I hope you’ll find this exercise useful, too.

 

Author @joannaslan With an Easy, Effective Tool for Character Development:
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Joanna Campbell Slan is the author of six mystery series. She’s taught writing to corporate executives and at Illinois State University. Her newest series is the Friday Night Mystery Club. Set in the 1980s, it explores the lives of young career women, living in a failing town in the Midwest. Contact her at jcslan@joannaslan.com or go to http://www.JoannaSlan.com.

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Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Business / MiscellaneousBusiness Musings: Economic Uncertainty: @KristineRuschSelf-publishing News: Spotify Ready for Audiobook Trials: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIHow Writers Can Market to the Homeschooling Audience Most Effectively: @KarenHWhiting @EdieMelsonHow to Apply for Grants and Residencies: @jasminedreame @CatapultStoryConferences and Events / MiscellaneousFinalists for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Novel: @MargotKinberg‘Maus' Author Art Spiegelman Honored by US National Book Foundation: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives @nationalbookUS National Book Awards 2022 Longlist: Young People's Literature: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesUS National Book Awards 2022 Longlist: Translation: @Porter_Anderson @nationalbook @pubperspectivesUS National Book Awards 2022 Longlist: Poetry: @Porter_Anderson @nationalbook @pubperspectivesAre literary festivals doomed? Why book events need to change: @sarahshaffi @GuardianBooksCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as Writers5 Favorite Books-Within-Books: by E. G. Scott @CrimeReadsSometimes, Only the Most Heart-Crushing Book Will Do: @mollytempleton @tordotcomThese Novels Shuffle Tropes Like Cards: @ChristinaDodd @CrimeReadsCrime Fiction : In The Spotlight: Gunnar Staalsen’s We Shall Inherit the Wind: @MargotKinbergCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Writer's BlockHow Writers Can Effectively Fight the Issue of Story Stall: @DrMaryAnnDiorio @EdieMelsonCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeUsing Your Pain to Enhance Your Novel Writing: @JanyreTrompFilling Your Writing Life: @kcraftwriter @WriterUnboxedI Fell In Love With Reading My Work Out Loud – To Others: @karisrogerson @LitReactorThings for Writers to Remember When Others Cause You to Doubt: @BethVogt @EdieMelsonSo You Want to Apply for an MFA: @CatapultStoryAre you susceptible to writing injuries? @pubcoachWriter Friendships: @over_fabulous @WomenWriters7 Signs of Creative Burnout and What to Do About It: @writingthrulifeInspirational Indie Author Interview. J. W. Judge: Lawyer, Author Shows How to Balance Writing With Job and Family: @Howard_Lovy @IndieAuthorALLIThe Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Self-Publishing Overwhelm: @IndieAuthorALLIAre You Writing Enough? @PhilAthansGenres / Fan FictionIn Defense of Fanfiction: @A_Moth_To_Flame @scbwiGenres / FantasyThe Ultimate Fantasy Beast: The Dragon: @dancinghorse @tordotcomGenres / HistoricalUsing real people in historical fiction – how much can you invent? @Roz_MorrisGenres / MemoirThe Importance of Premise in Memoir: @kris10edits @GoodStoryCoGenres / MysteryRisk Takers as Elements in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergGenres / Young AdultTips for Writing a Young Adult Novel: @domwritesbooks @DIYMFAPromo / BloggingHow to Painlessly Generate Dozens of Blog Ideas: @DeleynaPromo / Book ReviewsIt's Always Time to Get More Book Reviews on Amazon: @BookgalPromo / MiscellaneousWhy Writers Should Revisit Their College Years to Market Their Latest Book: @JLavenderWrites @EdieMelsonPromo / NewslettersBuilding an Email List: @JanSikes3 @StoryEmpirePromo / Social Media Tips11 TikToks Indie Authors Should Follow: by
Emily McCrary-Ruiz-Esparza @WrittenWordMPublishing / MiscellaneousWorking on an Anthology: @DancingLemurPreThe UK's Nosy Crow Opens a New US Company: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / DataNPD BookScan: US Print Book Market Sales Strong in August: @Porter_Anderson @npdgroup @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / International PublishingRights Edition: A Finnish Agent Cheers France's Interest in Translation: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesIn Portugal: IPA's Bodour Al Qasimi on ‘Our Own Prejudices': @Porter_Anderson @Bodour @IntPublishersChina Bestsellers in July: Classroom Classics Go Big: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesIPA Adds Its Objection to Publishers' Sentences in Hong Kong: @Porter_Anderson @IntPublishers @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Traditional Publishing / QueryingFun with Query Letters (No, Seriously: ) @FoxPrintEdYour Query was Rejected Because It Didn't Sell the Book: @BookEndsJessica @bookendslit5 Ways to Impress an Agent: @PaulaSMunier @CareerAuthorsDon't outsource your agent search: @NathanBransfordPublishing / Process / LegalitiesCan You Copyright a Character or Book Title? @PerryLaw1 @annerallenWriting Craft / Characters / Development3 Character Development Exercises to Write Believable Characters: @mahsudasnaith @thenovelryFear Thesaurus Entry: Not Fitting In: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Characters / EmotionWriting Emotional Pain: How to Care About Your Protagonist: @StoryGridHow to Write Emotional Scenes (Without Making Them Cringey): @KMWeilandWriting Craft / ConflictDetail in fight scenes: from How to Fight WriteWriting Conflict: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writers @thecreativepennWriting Craft / DiversityWriting LGBTQ Characters—How and How NOT To: @EliasJMcClellanWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmPage One: “The Piano” (1993): @GoIntoTheStoryPage One: “Planet of the Apes” (1968): @GoIntoTheStoryStrange New Worlds Reveals the Danger of a Theme-Breaking Plot: by Oren Ashkenazi @mythcreantsPage One: “Poltergeist” (1982): @GoIntoTheStoryPage One: “Precious” (2009): @GoIntoTheStoryThe Sandman’s Standout Episode Is a Great Work of Adaptation: @cloudy_vision @tordotcomPage One: “Cabaret” (1972): @GoIntoTheStoryA Closer Look at Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”: @MargotKinbergWriting Craft / Literary DevicesGo Deeper Writing Fiction With Personification: @LisaHallWilsonUsing Motifs in a Powerful Way in Your Fiction: @LiveWriteThriveWriting Craft / MiscellaneousWhy a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal: @SeptCFawkes @onestop4writersThe Fuzzy Secrets to Writing a Decent Novel: by Yuvi Zalkow @WriterUnboxedWriting Words of Wisdom: collected by Dale Ivan Smith @killzoneauthorsOne Upmanship and Keeping the Reader Hooked: @Virgilante @StoryEmpireHow to Use Prologues: Spoilers Ahoy: @harmony_kent @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingThe Quinary Principles of Plot: Reveals & Twists: @SeptCFawkesStory Development for Pantsers: @AmongTheZombies5 Act Structure: The Dramatic Structure [+ Examples]: @StoryHobbitWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / ResearchResearch: How Far Will Fiction Authors Go For Facts? @FearlessProseWriting Craft / Punctuation and GrammarWhat is Parallel Construction? @Vie_HerlockerWriting Craft / Revisions / CritiquesHow Should I Respond to Beta Reader Feedback? by Oren Ashkenazi @mythcreantsWriting Craft / ScenesWriting Better Scenes: Three Tips: @LindasclareWriting Craft / SynopsesWriting the Perfect Synopsis for Beginners: @SnowflakeGuyWriting Craft / Word CraftingThe Magic of Writing: Poof! Your Words Disappear (or Not): @apessin @FloridaWriters1Writing Craft / World-BuildingPseudo-Profanity as SFF Worldbuilding: @ColeRush1 @tordotcom

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Working on an Anthology

by L. Diane Wolfe, @DancingLemurPre

Writers are familiar with contests that lead to anthologies, but they don’t always know what goes into the effort to create one. If they are a published author, they have some idea what to expect. They know about editing and marketing. If they are self-published, they understand formatting and cover design.

But most of that involves one author. Working on an anthology involves many authors, all with different personalities and levels of experience. Coordinating efforts with multiple authors brings a challenge. It’s a mixed blessing with both positive and negative aspects. But ultimately, it’s worth the effort.

Dancing Lemur Press has put together numerous anthologies over the years and we’ve enjoyed the process. Some days it feels like herding cats, but it always comes together. What helps is the enthusiasm of the authors. There is always one in the bunch that is SO excited to be a part of the book. That helps not only us, but all of the authors involved.

We’d like to share some of the First Love authors’ experiences:

The best part about working on an anthology is sharing the experience with other talented writers. It's fun to see how they took the same topic and weaved such stunningly different stories. – Sammi Spizziri

Writing for an anthology motivated me to improve my story and ensure it fit with the other works. I enjoyed being part of a team and sharing the experience with fellow authors! – Kim Elliott

The Insecure Writers Support Group and Dancing Lemur Press are familiar to me and have great reputations. Being an indie author, though, I found it both refreshing and disconcerting to turn things over to someone else. – Melissa Maygrove

“I was very excited when it was announced that the next IWSG Anthology was to be in the romance genre. I waited a long time to hear that, LOL. I don't ever/usually enter writing contests, so I didn't look at it that way. I saw it as an opportunity to support the IWSG and whether I won a place or not didn't bother me. But of course, as a romance author who loves short fiction writing, I was thrilled to be included. Thank you for the opportunity and I hope the Anthology sells well. – Denise Covey

I love anthologies (both participating in and reading them) because they’re a great way to sample new authors. It’s fun to see how different writers will take a theme and put their own spin on it. A single prompt can result in a thousand variations, which makes every anthology unique, and it’s been fun to see everyone’s take on “First Love.” – Katie Klein

I enjoy working on anthologies because you get to learn and share so much with a variety of professionals. You get to meet new authors, reconnect with old friends, and share in the editing as well as the marketing process. All of these experiences can be highly rewarding when it involves work you are proud to have created. – Sylvia Ney

Having a hands-on experience with this anthology has taught me the publishing process without becoming too taxing or overwhelming. For me, this was an amazing experience which will help me through the next stage in my writing journey. – Michael Di Gesu

Inclusion in an anthology has so many benefits, including experience, exposure, and a boost in confidence. If you ever get the opportunity, take it and enjoy.

 

 

First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

The sweetness of first love…

Could a fiercely independent cop’s heart be stolen by the guy who makes her favorite doughnuts? Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband get a dose of her own medicine? Can her handsome neighbor rescue a modern-day “princess” from a tenacious ex-boyfriend? Can two strangers in a rideshare be honest enough to fall in love for real? Can you remember your first love? How about your second? Third? Fourth?

Featuring the talents of Linda Budzinski, Melissa Maygrove, Michael Di Gesu, Sylvia Ney, Katie Klein, Kim Elliott, Templeton Moss, S.E. White, Denise Covey, and Sammi Spizziri. Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will touch your heart and rekindle lost feelings. Prepare to return to that first love…

Release date: September 6, 2022
Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95
EBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99
Romance – Clean & Wholesome (FIC027270) / Contemporary (FIC027020) / Historical (FIC027050)
186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh and a Writer’s Digest Top Sites for Writers, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter.
https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

Links:
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/
Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301
iTunes https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love

Working on an Anthology and Authors' Thoughts (by @DancingLemurPre ):
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Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Business / MiscellaneousWhat Happens to Your Books When You Die? @jamesscottbell @killzoneauthorsYour Self-Publishing Toolbox: Publishing Tools: @StephanieBwaBwa @DIYMFAAdventures in Reversion – Getting the Rights Back: @Kdibianca @killzoneauthorsBlockchain For Copyright And Intellectual Property With Roanie Levy: @thecreativepenn5 things you need to know about line editing crime fiction and thrillers: @LouiseHarnbyHow to Find the Best Self-Publishing Companies: @IndieAuthorALLISelf-publishing News: Independent Book Publishers Association Launches New Criteria for Hybrid Publishers to Tackle Exploitative Practices: @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIConferences and Events / MiscellaneousThe UK's Polari Program Names Two of Three 2022 Shortlists: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPageBreak's Program Outlines: ‘Many Different Voices': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesBritish Academy Book Prize Announces Its 2022 Shortlist: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesRX Names Gareth Rapley London Book Fair's Director: @Porter_Anderson @LondonBookFair @pubperspectivesALA's Tracie Hall Receives the National Book Award's Literarian Award: @Porter_Anderson @TracieDHall1 @pubperspectives @nationalbook @ALALibraryHow Do You Choose the Best Conventions and Writers Retreats? @AmongTheZombies @LitReactorFrankfurt's LitAg in Sight: A Rights Roundup: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / First NovelsFirst Book Lessons: What Authors Wish They'd Known Before Hitting Publish: @writingcookbookCreativity and Inspiration / InspirationAllowing Your Mind to Wander: @pubcoachCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersBetween the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: 10 Dark Nautical Novels: @adearinthewoods @LitReactorCollective Narrators: The Best Uses of the First-Person Plural in Literature: by Hayley Scrivenor @CrimeReadsCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Patricia Abbott’s Concrete Angel: @MargotKinbergCreativity and Inspiration / Productivity / Writer's BlockMike Sanger and his creative blocks: @pubcoachCreativity and Inspiration / Writing Life‘Loving Highsmith' in the States: ‘Access to the Girlfriends': @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesStalk Your Curiosity: @lahousewyfe @DIYMFAThree Non-Writing Tips to Get You Writing: @CorieAdjmi @WomenWritersHow to prepare a wedding speech: @pubcoachWriting Romance When the World is Burning: @JoMcNallyAuthor @WomenWritersAchieving Author Growth: @MaeClair1 @StoryEmpireLooking forward to a live interview at 10 ET with @tishbouvier : Pursuing Approval: the Perks and Perils: @sarahrcallender @WriterUnboxedThe Art of Accidentally Writing a Thriller: by Tyrell Johnson @CrimeReadsHow One Writer’s Brush With Covid Temporarily Robbed Her Of Her Career: @alicefeiring @lithubHacks for stopping procrastination: @pubcoachSupporting Aspiring Teen Writers: @AmandaWinsteadd @A3writersGenres / Middle-GradeAll about Middle Grade: @Livy_Fisher @DIYMFAGenres / MysteryTeacher-Student Relationships in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergRules For Writing Crime Fiction: @Josh_StallingsCrime Fiction Stories that Incorporated Current Events Without Overshadowing the Mystery: @MargotKinbergCreating a Compelling Love Interest in a Suspense Novel: @ElissaDickey @CrimeReadsGenres / Picture BooksYour Questions Answered: Illustrated Children's Books: @IndieAuthorALLIGenres / PoetryHow to Write a List Poem: A Step-by-Step Guide: @themaltesetigerHow to Write an Acrostic Poem: Tips & Examples: @themaltesetigerGenres / Science FictionHow Can I Give Aliens Strange Values? by
Oren Ashkenazi @mythcreantsThe Power of “What If” With Speculative Fiction: @TaraCampbellCom @CatapultStoryPromo / SpeakingProps for Writers to Use When Speaking: @LindaGoldfarb @EdieMelsonPublishing / MiscellaneousHow Do Algorithms Help (and Hinder) Book Sales? @CindyFazzi @CatapultStoryExclusive: Sources Describe a New App for Backlist Serialization: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / International PublishingRights Edition: Bologna Opens Its Agents' Center to Adult Trade: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / Options / Traditional PublishingPay-To-Play in Traditional Publishing, and Why We Need to Talk About It: @AuthorSATIndie Versus Traditional: The Author’s Dilemma: @BeemWeeks @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / BeginningsBeginnings: @authorterryo10 Great First Lines Analyzed: @kleopatra_o @LitReactorThe Three Types of Opening Lines: @jamesscottbell @killzoneauthorsPage One: “The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019): @GoIntoTheStoryFirst Page Critique: When Being Too Coy Creates Confusion: by PJ Parrish @killzoneauthorsWriting Craft / Characters / AntagonistsAn Antagonist vs a Villain: What's the Difference? by Neil Chase @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentCharacter Development in Novels: A Guide: @thenovelryMaking Readers Care: 9 Tips on Crafting Compelling Characters: @HelenaFairfaxFleshing Out the Characters: by Marilynn ByerlyTips for Writers Dig Deep to Create More Compelling Characters in Your Story: @PeggySueWells @EdieMelsonCreate Stronger Characters by Giving Them Roles: @Janice_HardyWriting an Un-Put-Downable Character: Internal Dialogue: @ACW_Author @EdieMelsonWriting a Three-Dimensional Character with Psychology: @tiredpsych @thenovelryFear Thesaurus Entry: A Loved One Dying: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Characters / EmotionFear Thesaurus Entry: Letting People Down: @beccapuglisiWriting Craft / Characters / ProtagonistsHow To Transform A Passive Main Character Into An Active One: @StephMorrill @GoTeenWritersWriting Craft / Characters / Supporting CharactersHow Do I Make a Sidekick Feel Like Their Own Person? by Chris Winkle @mythcreantsWriting Craft / Common MistakesWriter, Are You Showing or Telling? @AndreaMerrellWriting Craft / ConflictHow to Amp Up Your Conflict ( from @onestop4writers ): Writing Craft / DialogueDiscover What You Need to Write Dialect that Shines True: @CindyDevoted @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / Endings5 Must-Haves for a Great Ending: by Gilbert Bassey @DIYMFAWriting Craft / Flashback and Back Story7 Tips to Using Flashbacks and Not Lose the Audience: @cyallowitz3 Tricks to Reel Your Reader in With Flashbacks: @MarissaGraff @onestop4writersWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmPage One: “The Parallax View” (1974): @GoIntoTheStoryGreat Scene: “Psycho”: @GoIntoTheStoryPage One: “The Pelican Brief” (1993): @GoIntoTheStoryWriting Craft / MiscellaneousSix More Ways to Make Your Writing Cinematic: by Oren Ashkenazi @mythcreantsA Writer’s Guide to Breaking the Rules: @sl_penner @WriterUnboxedQuick Tips on Writing a Novelette: by Deborah Sheldon @HorrorTreeWriting Elusive Inner Moments: @DonMaass @WriterUnboxedSparking Your Writing Using Abantu: @writingitreal @womenonwritingPlot Driven Story Telling: @mtjohnson51 @A3writersThe Five Reasons Prequel Stories Are So Difficult: by Oen Ashkenazi @mythcreantsFive Tips on Writing Alternate History and Time Travel: @SarahAdlakha @CareerAuthors4 Steps to Create Perfect Plot Twists: @LiveWriteThriveWriting & Editing with the Scientific Method – Jeanette the Writer: @DIYMFAHow Perfect Does Your Story's Structural Timing Have to Be? @KMWeilandWriting Craft / POVExamples of First Person Deep POV: @LisaHallWilsonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / OutliningThe Plotter vs. Pantser Divide Has Been Exaggerated: @Ada_Palmer @tordotcomWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingWrite a Short Summary of Your Story Idea and Write a One Sentence Book Premise: @createastorylovWriting Craft / Revisions / Critiques13 Rules to Be a Better Beta Reader: @KMWeilandWriting Craft / ScenesTry to make your scenes do more than one thing: @NathanBransfordTurning a Scene Around for a Different View: @cari_luna @CatapultStoryWriting Craft / Settings and Description5 Tips to Writing about Place in Fiction: @YasminChopin @LiveWriteThriveWriting Craft / TensionHow Suspense and Tension Work Together to Increase Story Impact: @FoxPrintEd @JaneFriedmanWriting Craft / TropesPerspectives of Tropes: @cyallowitzWriting Tools / AppsCould you use a Count Wordsworth? @pubcoachWriting Tools / ResourcesBest Self Publishing Courses: Which one is right for you? @DaveChessonUncategorizedPublishing: Meaningful Consent: @lsaguirre @WomenWriters https://t.co/ICqCa1pGSgHow to Write an Acrostic Poem: Tips & Examples – The Art of Narrative https://t.co/ouaxoTAqja

 

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How to Amp Up Your Conflict

 

by Angela Ackerman, @onestop4writers

Conflict is a powerful tool for storytellers, allowing us to place roadblocks, challenges, adversaries and more in a character’s way so the road to their goal is much more difficult. Deployed well, conflict creates tension and intensity for reader, capturing their attention for the length of the book.

So what does deployed well mean?

For conflict to have a strong foundation, we need to focus on three things. First, readers need to feel connected to a character for them to care when something bad happens to them. For example, if a car hits a dog-kicking, old-lady-scamming protagonist and breaks both his legs, will your audience be upset? Not at all…in fact they may actually cheer. But if the protagonist is a single mother of three who scraped and saved to go to night school and create a better life for her family, seeing such a terrible event happen to them will really rip your readers up. So, building flesh-and-blood characters readers will connect to is crucial for scoring a strong conflict hit.

The second thing conflict must do is present a character with a problem that’s not easy to resolve. A danger or threat that can be avoided if the character simply does one thing will feel like a cop-out to readers (unless you’re purposefully luring the character into a trap so it leads to spectacular, unexpected fallout).

The third component of well-written conflict is that it will be original in some way, giving readers something they’ve not seen before. And this is where some writers trip, especially if they’re working with a conflict scenario found in many stories, or it’s common within a genre. Romance readers will have experienced plenty of stories where a romantic competitor enters the scene, Fantasy readers know that at some point, an adventurer will get injured, and anyone who reads superhero stories has seen more than a few characters discovering they have unwanted powers.

The thing is, readers expect to see these conflicts, so we need to include them. But we shouldn’t copy what others have done. Instead, we should find a way to make the situations fresh…and hopefully more difficult. Here are some ideas:

Make the Outcome Uncertain

To keep readers from easily predicting the result of a conflict scenario, sow some doubt—a.k.a., don’t go easy on your protagonist. Put them at a disadvantage—or, if you’re feeling evil, give them an easy win that isn't a true victory. Maybe a character with friends in high places gets a big promotion, only she doesn’t realize her “friends” are setting her up as a scapegoat for their criminal behavior. Winning can also trigger unforeseen consequences. If your character doesn’t pay now, make her pay later.

Withhold Something the Character Needs

When a character has everything—information, financial backing, a mentor, the support of others—it’s an easier skate to the finish line, and what’s the fun in that? Think about what your character needs most to succeed, and take it from her. If she needs medicine, put it in a glass vial that, at a critical point, will shatter. When she needs a map to navigate, let it be ruined by a dunk in the river. Knowledge, a way to communicate, a weapon…characters who are forced to act when they don’t have what they need often screw up, leading to more conflict.

Make the Stakes Personal

Every story should have high stakes, where something is at risk if the character fails. But when the stakes are personal, winning becomes more crucial because of what they could lose. Get to know your character and the people, places, and things they hold dear. Then endanger them: a child’s life, the character’s job, their reputation, or their marriage. Most characters will walk through fire to protect the people and things they cherish.

Consider a No-Win Situation

The most heart-wrenching times for your character are when they have to make a decision in which someone will pay regardless of their choice. These story moments take courage because the character must decide between two equally bad outcomes. Do they save their daughter if doing so means abandoning their son? Do they stay and risk capture, or run and risk death by exposure? No-win scenarios create obvious tension for characters but also for readers, who recognize an impossible situation when they see it and wonder what choice will be made.

Keep Your Character Moving

Did you know that if sharks stop swimming, they’ll die? This is a lesson we can apply to storytelling because when a character settles down for too long, the tension flatlines. So, keep them moving. If they find a haven, fill it with hidden dangers that compel them to leave. If a romantic relationship is becoming routine, introduce a disruptor—a secret being exposed, a hopeful ex-lover showing up, or a complication that forces a physical separation.

This goes for inner movement, too. If the character isn’t moving forward and resolving their internal conflict, create a crisis that jeopardizes everything they've worked for. Remind them that they need to keep evolving to get what they want, even if this means facing hard truths or examining old wounds.

Shake Up the Team

If your character is relying on others, find a way to introduce dysfunction and friction. Disagreements, misunderstandings, egos, rivalries, or a sense of entitlement can shake the foundation of a relationship, create a power struggle, and leave your character without their much-needed backup.

Tighten the Timeline

There’s nothing like a ticking clock to pile on the pressure, so think about how you can shorten a window of opportunity, move up a deadline, force the character to wait, or give them an ultimatum. Characters who rush can get sloppy and make mistakes, compounding the conflict.

Pull the Trigger

All characters carry some baggage from the past. If they're navigating a change arc, they'll have an unresolved wound, and chances are, they’ve buried it deep. The problem is, for them to move forward, they need to deal with whatever is holding them back. A well-placed trigger can cause that wound to resurface.

Maybe your character Tamara has been avoiding her cousin who captained the boat the day her sister drowned. But now she must work side by side with him to save their family’s business. Or your character must perform a wellness check on someone who lives in the building where her abusive parents raised her. Exposing your character to fears and painful memories can awaken them to the realization that the past is holding them prisoner.

Include a Sacrifice

A character facing a challenge that's beyond her must make some hard choices if she wants to avoid losing everything. Maybe she must abandon one goal to put more energy into another, or give up on a passion to stand by a friend. Sacrifices are meaningful and will cause readers to care, so don't be afraid to use them.

Turn to Your Genre

Every genre will have specific opportunities to ramp up conflict. Does your character live in a historical time when certain illnesses were prevalent, or their rights were restricted because of their race, gender, or religion? Is there a specific technology that is hampering your character’s ability to move undetected in a future world? Pull organic conflict from the very bedrock of your genre by considering the character’s reality and the challenges they might face.

Don’t Make Violence Your Go-To

As you seek ways to power up conflict, it can be tempting to use violence to hammer home a threat. Sometimes this is warranted and fits the scenario, but other times it’s used as an easy way out. Before going to this extreme, pause to see what’s best for the story. If you decide to use it, don’t make it the only tool in your bag of tricks. Writers should also think twice about using gratuitous violence to characterize, especially in situations that directly target women or children.

Need more ideas for story conflict? Check out the 225 scenarios covered in the GOLD and SILVER editions of The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Conflict.

Angela Ackerman is a writing coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, and its many sequels. Available in ten languages, her guides are sourced by universities, recommended by agents and editors, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, and psychologists around the world.  Angela is also the co-founder of the popular site Writers Helping Writers, as well as One Stop for Writers, a portal to game-changing tools and resources that enable writers to craft powerful fiction

How to Amp Up Your Conflict ( from @onestop4writers ):
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7 Favorite Tools and Resources for Writers

 

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig 

I thought I'd share a few of the sites I refer to often in the hope they'll help some of you, too. They're a variety of different types of resources, but they have one thing in common–they help with living the writing life.

IWSG: I recommend the Insecure Writer's Support Group for all writers for a variety of reasons. They offer information on craft, conferences and events, and, perhaps most-importantly, provide a community for writers looking for support.

Dave Chesson's Book Description Generator:   I use this free generator every time I load a book on Amazon. I used to try and use basic programming to make my book descriptions look better on Amazon's site. This was a hit or miss thing, mostly because of my lack of talent at basic code. This tool makes things much eaiser.

Devin Cutting's daily YouTube sprint playlist: If you're looking for chances to fit a few minutes of writing into your day, try one of the writing sprints on YouTube. Devin Cutting maintains a playlist each day showing upcoming sprints. You can go through the list, find times that will work best for you, and even set up reminders for when the sprint goes live.  Free.

Basic Pomodoro Timer:  This free timer is about as basic as it can get. What I like is that it runs quietly in the background, has a pleasing chime when it goes off, and doesn't show how much time is left (when I see a timer counting down, I will spend far too much time watching it instead of writing).

Power Thesaurus: I used to use thesaurus.com, which is also a good resource. But I find that the crowdsourced Power Thesaurus (free online) works better when I have a word on the tip of my tongue but just can't seem to get hold of it.

The WKB: Forgive the bit of self-promo here, but this is a free site that I often use both for blogging and for looking up craft help in areas where I'm weakest. I provide the content and Mike Fleming of Hiveword makes the magic happen.  :)

Canva: The free version offers plenty for most writers. I use the site to help design blog post images, social media, and more.

Do you have any favorite writing tools or resources? Let me know what I've missed in the comments below!

7 Favorite Free Tools and Resources for Writers:
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Twitterific Writing Links

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

Twitterific writing links are fed into the Writer’s Knowledge Base search engine (developed by writer and software engineer Mike Fleming) which has over 65,000 free articles on writing related topics. It’s the search engine for writers. While you're there, check out the Writer's Digest award-winning Hiveword novel organizer.

Have you visited the WKB lately?  Check out the new redesign where you can browse by category, and sign up for free writing articles, on topics you choose, delivered to your email inbox!  Sign up for the Hiveword newsletter here.

Hope everyone has a good Labor Day tomorrow! I'll be here with a guest post from Angela Ackerman.

Business / Miscellaneous3 Tips for Pre-pubbed Writers: @AuthorAmandaWen6 Ways to Write Better Interview Questions: @joebunting @write_practiceFinishing Writing-Related Tasks Quickly: 4 Essentials to Include in Your Article Submissions: @KatyKauffman28Successfully Selling Books Wide: @michaels_kris @IndieAuthorALLISelf-publishing News: A New Chapter for Storytel? @agnieszkasshoes @IndieAuthorALLIDevelopmental Editing: Become the Best Fiction Editor: by Pamela Hines @TheStoryEditorWhy Keeping Your Writer Profile Up to Date is Important to Reaching Your Audience: @DiAnnMills @EdieMelsonConferences and Events / MiscellaneousFrankfurt Fellow: Helena Gonda ‘Getting Under the Skin of Stories' at Canongate: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesFrankfurter Buchmesse Wins Hoffmann und Campe's 2022 Julius Campe Award: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives @Book_FairLiber 22: Soledad Puértolas Is Its ‘Hispanic-American Author': @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesCreativity and Inspiration / InspirationHow to Brainstorm Story Ideas You are Passionate to Write: @createastorylov @lornafaithFive Ways to Find the Inspiration to Write: @WritersCoachCreativity and Inspiration / Inspiration / Reading as WritersFive Chilly SF Stories to Escape the Summer Heat: @jamesdnicoll @tordotcom8 Best Rhyming Books for Children's Book Writers: @M_Richmond21 @write_practiceUnsettling Times in Crime Fiction: @MargotKinbergWhen Plans Go Awry: 5 Captivating Tales of Unplanned Vacations: @WF_WRITERS @BookTribWhy Writers Should Read Across the Genres: @SaraTantlinger @LitReactorThe End of All Stories: Bidding a Fond Farewell to The Great C.S. Lewis Reread: @mattmikalatos @tordotcomCrime Fiction: In The Spotlight: Jocelyn Davey’s A Touch of Stage Fright: @MargotKinbergLost and found – the stranger things people leave in library books: @euronews by David MouriquandMartin Edwards on the Russian Cult Classic Crime Novel Count Azar: @medwardsbooks @CrimeReadsCreativity and Inspiration / Writing LifeTales of a Solopreneur: Building Your Brain Power: @Richelle_Lyn_ @DIYMFAThe Secret Side Careers of Successful Authors: by Alexander Lewis @JaneFriedmanWhat to Do When You're Overwhelmed: @SnowflakeGuyCross That Bridge When You See It Coming: by Pat Hatt @TheIWSGThe Story of Two Lost Fountain Pens: by Nina Katchadourian @lithubCozy to Cold-Blooded: Mystery Games: @avonlea79How Can We Improve Our Writing? @WendySparrowHow Would You Describe Your Scribe? @AnneJanzerWriting Without Explanations: RUE: @LindasclareWriting a Book About a Family Member: by Mary Ford @NaNoWriMoWriting Into Retirement – with M. Lee Prescott: @SelfPubFormBad Author Habits to Avoid: @dkparsonswriter @SelfPubFormWriting Out the Sadness and Anger–How to Get Strong Emotions on the Page Authentically: @writeabookGenres / HorrorWriting Psychological Horror: @richardgthomas3 @LitReactorWhat Writing Horror Can Teach All Writers: by Frank Hamilton @HorrorTreeGenres / MemoirHow to Write Memoir: 9 Ideas for a Vivid Slice of Life: @nownovelGenres / MysteryControversial Crime Novels: @MargotKinberg5 Characteristics of the Perfect Murder Mystery Hero: by Neil Chase @LiveWriteThriveGenres / Science FictionHow Do I Show That the Threat Is a Systemic Problem? by Chris Winkle @mythcreantsPromo / PlatformsAuthor Plans, Brands and Success: @zoeyorkwrites @sacha_blackPromo / Social Media TipsHow Social Media Made Me a Better Author: @erinlarosalit @WomenWritersPromo / WebsitesWebsites: How To Compose Seductive Page Titles That Appeal to Humans & Robots: @MaddyOsmanPublishing / MiscellaneousWiley Survey: Academic Society Members Value Diversity, Sustainability: @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesFrom Cover to Cover: On the Pigeonholes of Publishing: @MarieMyungOkLee @The_MillionsRichard Charkin: Text and Data Undermining in London: @rcharkin @pubperspectivesVirginia Judge Rules Against Book-Banning Attempt: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesMarkus Dohle on Bertelsmann's Penguin Random House Six-Month Report: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesChildren's Books Edition: A Rights Roundup: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives https://t.co/15GGfz43nHPublishing / News / DataNPD BookScan: US Weekly Print Volume Up 2 Percent: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / News / International Publishing‘The Gita for Children' Set for UK Publication from Swift Press: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectivesGermany: Petition to Keep Reading-Focused ‘Language Day-Care': @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesIPA, EU, Germany, USA Protest Trang's Imprisonment in Vietnam: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives @IntPublishersBrazilian Translation Grants in Mexico and Argentina: @pubperspectivesIPA Recognizes ‘Global Significance' of the Internet Archive Lawsuit: @Porter_Anderson @pubperspectives @IntPublishersFinnish Research: Springer Nature Announces a Fourth Transformative Agreement: @porter_anderson @pubperspectivesPublishing / Process / TranslationThe Ultimate Guide to Book Translations for Indie Authors: @IndieAuthorALLIWriting Craft / BeginningsThree elements that create a strong opening sentence: @MudG @TheWriterMagFantasy novelists – your first pages: 5 more book openings critiqued by @agentpete @mattschodcnews and @Roz_Morris: First Page Critique: My Girl is a Dog: @SueColetta1 @killzoneauthorsSlow down to set the scene (page critique): @NathanBransfordWriting Craft / Characters / AntagonistsWhat Makes a Great Antagonist: @magpie0218 @RMFWritersWriting Craft / Characters / DevelopmentFour Crucial Insights to Help Writers Create Better Characters: @ZenaDellLowe @EdieMelsonWriting Craft / Characters / EmotionIdentify Your Character’s Emotional Triggers: @LisaHallWilson @onestop4writersFear Thesaurus Entry: Leaving No Legacy: @beccapuglisi @onestop4writersWriting Eyebrows: How to Orchestrate Emotion in Your Story: @Skytale_Writer @sfwaHow to Convey Emotion: Planting Clues to What Characters Feel: @kathycowleyWriting Craft / Characters / ProtagonistsHow to Structure Stories With Multiple Main Characters? @KMWeilandWriting Craft / Common MistakesTop 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Sex Scenes: @Bang2writeWriting and Common Mistakes: @dlfinnauthor @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / Conflict7 Tips to Writing Hot/Sunny Day Battles: @cyallowitzUsing Impossible Choices to Empower Your Conflict: @shirleyjumpWriting Craft / DiversityWriting: Working Through Identity Issues and Other Pitfalls With Representation: @WritingwColorWriting Craft / Lessons from Books and FilmPage One: “The Omen” (1976): @GoIntoTheStoryPage One: “Outbreak” (1995): @GoIntoTheStoryWriting Craft / MiscellaneousAvoid Adjective Overload: @DLoockWhy Unreliable Characters Are So Compelling: @jessicastrawser @CareerAuthorsDon't build scenes around the information you think you need to impart: @NathanBransfordUsing Impatience to Help Your Writing: @chayab77 @CatapultStorySexual Reeling: by PJ Parrish @killzoneauthorsStuck in Your Own Head? Try Someone Else’s: by Devon Capizzi @CatapultStoryA Character Goal Isn’t a Story – But It’s Close: by Chris Winkle @mythcreantsStrong Writing: @mtjohnson51 @A3writersHow to Use Prologues: Backstory Delivery: @harmony_kent @StoryEmpireWriting Craft / Pacing5 Tips to Pick up the Pace: by Dana Isaacson @CareerAuthorsWriting Craft / POVThe Magic Paragraph: A Tool that Belongs in Every Writers Toolbox: @AneMulligan @EdieMelsonFourth Person Point of View: Definition and Examples: @DaveChessonFirst Person Point of View: Definition and Examples: @DaveChessonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / OutliningThe Snowflake Method: 10 Steps to Outline a Story: @StoryHobbitWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / PlottingThe Tertiary Principles of Plot: Plans, Gaps, Crises: @SeptCFawkesStory Spine: 7 Steps to Pixar's Storytelling Structure: @StoryHobbitThe Hero's Journey: The 12 Steps of Mythic Structure: @DaveChesson7-Point Story Structure: Definition, Examples and Template: @StoryHobbitThree Act Structure: Definition, Examples and Template: @DaveChessonWriting Craft / Pre-Writing / ResearchGrowing your Research Library: Tips: by Erica Vetsch @SKRViLLResearch Your Novel on a Rambling Road Trip: @KMazeauthorWriting Craft / Punctuation and GrammarHow to Capitalize Titles: Rules and Guidelines: @DaveChessonWriting Craft / RevisionOn Writing (and Revising) Well: @ElizabethHuergo @WriterUnboxedThe Magic of Revision: @susan_writes @FloridaWriters1Things in Books that Annoy Readers: @HowellWave @StoryEmpireHow To Know Your Book is Done: @BookEndsJessica @bookendslit https://t.co/shvoSIWEsvWriting Craft / SeriesWhy You Should Avoid Traditional Publishing If You’re Planning a Series: @Bookgal @BowkerWriting Craft / SynopsesThe Dreaded Synopsis: @MBarker_190 @onestop4writersWriting Craft / TropesSix Soap Opera Tropes in SFF: @CarlyASilverWriting Craft / World-BuildingA Look at World-Building and the Reader Experience: @JunetaKey @TheIWSG

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Finishing Writing-Related Tasks Quickly

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I'm guessing writing has never been an easy business, but it seems particularly task-intensive in 2022. Not only do writers have to write the books, we have to promote them, too.

With all the other things on our plate, writing-related tasks can fall by the wayside. I know they're one of my favorite things to procrastinate.

Here are some tips for getting those tasks done. . . by using a batching or grouping technique.

Do a brain-dump of everything you need to get done.  For me, this is the most important item on the list. If I don't brainstorm all the different tasks I need to get done, I'll be up at night worrying about what's slipping through the cracks. Just empty out your head by listing all of it in a notebook on a Word document. This could be working on copy (updating your bio, writing book descriptions, ad copy, etc.), blogging, or writing-related business like advertising, tracking sales, changing book prices, or uploading your books on more platforms.

Decide how long you want to spend on each task per day. Plus, choose when you want to tackle it. Can you make progress in one hour a day (often, setting smaller goals helps stay motivated)?  When is a point in your day that you should be able to focus? Or, what's a high-energy time of day for you?

Do just that one thing during the time you've set aside. Depending on how long you've scheduled, make sure you're taking short breaks to stretch or hydrate. If you're working on a large project (like taking an advertising course and setting up ads), just add multiple days on your calendar to tackle it. Doing just that one task (blogging, etc.) can go quicker because you're in that mindset and can work faster.

You can also make adjustments to help this technique work better for you. Maybe you want to assign different tasks to different days of the week (blogging on Mondays, metadata on Tuesdays). Or maybe you want to set up one day a month to tackle all the odds and ends you haven't been able to get to (a sort of “catch-all” day).

This approach also works really well for personal tasks, too. Maybe you have a slew of dental appointments or physicals to schedule for your family. Maybe you've got a big photo-digitizing or organizing project you want to get done. Give it a go and see if it helps.

How do you handle working in all your writing-related tasks?

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