Peggy Bechko's Blog, page 32

Should Writers Write For the Market?

Yes.

No. 
Sometimes. 
Maybe.

There you are.

Writers are a funny bunch. We want to be original, unique, outstanding, and at the same time catch that trend that can drag us along to fame and fortune so to speak. Not only can we make a living from that pinnacle, but we can push our creativity in our writing in lots of new directions that acceptance allows.

So the question arises, whether we want it to or not, should we write what the market demands or should we write whatever we want to w...

Writers And Readers Websites Wednesday

We writers need readers.
We love readers. 
And readers obviously return the affection. 
So, today I'm going to recommend the Guys Read website.  
It's a great site and the whole thrust is getting boys to read. There are lots of suggested titles for boys you can buy or get from a library. Classics you can probably download online with a bit of a quick search. 
The site offers reading lists, ways to encourage boys to read, books that can be listened to and advice to get those bo...

Three Observations On How to Add Punch In Your Writing

Okay, first, as writers, we (at least most of us) know we need to flavor our writing with sensations that go beyond sight and sound. We add things like the aroma of chicken grilling, the smell of tangy perfume, the feel of a too-heavy gold chain dragging against the back of a neck, the feel of a chilled breeze ticking up one's back beneath a jacket or the really sour taste of overdone lemonade to add life to our writing. You know, stuff everyone experiences, maybe notices.
But, when writers a...

Writers & Readers Websites Wednesday - NaNoWriMo

This week a reminder - National Novel Writing Month is next month. - Writers dedicate November to writing your novel - readers, get in on the excitement, see what writers are doing, how they're progressing. There's fun stuff, stuff for new/young writers, events and more. A fun time for writers and readers. 
Follow in the footsteps of the greats - read! write!

Too Much Work And No Play For Writers

Hey, you, are you working too much?
Yep, you. Yes, I know, you're working a job and you just have to write so you have to juggle both and that means working...a lot.
Many, actually most, writers have to do this if they want to write. Few of us actually reach full-time writer status, at least in the fiction arena. And if you become a successful full-time copywriter or grant writer or creator of newsletters, etc. and love writing fiction, you still work too much. 
So how to you work less an...

Writers And Readers Websites Wednesday - Reader's help

Writers - we need to think about reading. Yep, without readers what's a writer to do?

And, the more readers, but more informed people are.  

Reading is great!  

So, today the link is to Reading Rockets, a site to launch young readers. Teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle.  Fantastic! They offer help for parents, teachers and other learning professional to guide kids into reading and reading well.  There are free reading guides, link to children's boo...

A Hook As A Gimmick - The Writer's No-No

It's easy to fall into the trap.  There are lots of writing instructors out there who'll tell their students they need to start their story with a good hook in order to pull the reader in, to gain their attention, to  keep them reading.
Are they right?  Yes, to a point, but unfortunately many writers go well beyond that point. 
Here's the thing - don't start your story with a wild car chase, guns blazing, tires screeching, people tossed around inside the cars and a big expl...

Writers Websites Wednesday - Paper Rater Review

Manon  Eileen offers a great review at her site on Paper Rater. She gives the ins and outs on how it works and how it can work for you. Whether you're a professional writer, a student who wants to improve writing abilities or a reader who'd like to play around with this tool for your own amusement, it's a great one. Read the review, then click on the link to Paper Rater and try it out.  A great writer's tool for Writer's Websites Wednesday. Did I mention it's free?

Reading is Not Boring But Writers Are A Little Crazy

I Suspect Writers Are a Little Bit Crazy 

Yes, I mean you and me and all those other writers out there (regardless of what they write).  There are a lot of reasons for my suspicions but I could write another entire book on that so I'll just keep to one sub-topic beneath the general heading for today.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard aspiring writers say, "I'm not a big fan of reading...I just don't have time to read."

What?

You intend to write but you don't read?  I mea...

A Writer's Refreshing Vacation

Hi everyone - It's true, I didn't add to my blog last week.  It was a tumultuous week, losing a beloved dog to heart failure followed a few days later by a long planned anniversary trip to Portland Oregon.  
            First part very bad    ~   Second part very good. 
Meanwhile, I did manage a guest post over at Larry Brody's TVWriter.com - Big Moments In Writing.  
So, please, go pay...