Peggy Bechko's Blog, page 33

Lead a better life - Read!

Reading and writing are so intertwined at times those who partake of either or both don't pause to give a lot of thought to those who don't. 
Sometimes it is almost inconceivable that people don't read, don't read well or don't even know how to read. But it's out there.  Scholastic offers a page called Read Every Day-Lead a Better Life. It's the Global Literacy Campaign and it's an eye-opener. 
photo by Chance AgrellaSo go for it. Read. Encourage kids to read. Writers, don't just...

The Read and The Write Of It

Sometimes as writers we forget and take for granted the marvel of reading.
And it is pretty much a marvel you know.
We all read, well most of us read, well, a large number of us read and it's kind of funny how we don't think about it, but just do it. A part of every day. and thank heavens writers aren't the only ones who read!
Here's a definition of what reading really is:..."a complex co...<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Writers & Readers Websites Wednesday - Author M Pax's Website

Readers and writers alike, you'll really enjoy M. Pax's website.  She's quite the Science Fiction writer.  I read Semper Audacia ( .99) and loved it, also the first installment of Backworlds (free). Enjoy her Backworlds trailer, visit her blog, hang with M Pax and her reader and writer friends. Very nice site, well kept and informative. 

Readers - Wonder how Writers Do It?

Really. So you ever wonder what goes on in fiction writer's lives that keep them writing the fiction they create or stop them, inspire them or throw up road blocks?

Frequently we talk here about nuts and bolts of writing, but really it's all about reading and writing. Writers who follow this blog are interested in tips and helpful websites and that sort of thing. 

Readers, no doubt are more interested in the inside scoop.  Correct me if I'm wrong, readers.

So, for today's post I dec...

Writers Websites Wednesday - Fortean Times

Okay, I not only admit I'm a fan of the weird and wonderful in our world and other folks' imaginations, I state it proudly!  
You too?  
Want unusual, maybe spooky and/or totally weird?  Bring along your sense of adventure, curiosity, natural skepticism and a good sense of humor. Check out the Fortean Times site, wander it's cubbyholes and discover all sorts of story-inspiring weirdness.  Great fun - I could wander that site for a very long time.  Let me kno...

What to Consider When Considering Writing Contests

Writing contests are kind of a lure for writers. The idea of a contest kind of dangles a carrot of opportunity or at least perceived opportunity. What if I win the contest? Will there be a large monetary prize?  Will I be published? Will I be noticed?  Will my work become bestselling work that launches my career?

Well, yes and no.

What if I don't win the contest? Does that mean my writing isn't any good? Does it mean I should give up? Does it mean I'll never get published?

Ummm, don'...

Writers Websites Wednesday - Baby Name Genie

Struggling to find the perfect name for your character? Baby Name Genie could be your solution.  He comes up with some great combinations. Only hitch is, you supply the last name - he focuses on first and middle. A great way to kickstart the thought process even if the genie doesn't come up with the exact name you're looking for.

Writer - Tell Your Readers Only What They Need To Know!

As writers, it's good for us to think a but about how the brain works and what it's really looking for in many things, but for us the important issue is what does it want from a story?  
If you read, and as a writer I know you do, you've no doubt come across various statistics as to the information we're deluged with on a daily basis -- even on a per second basis.
Recently I read over 11,000,000 pieces of information comes at our five senses every second.  All I can say is I don'...

Writers Websites Wednesday - Wired For Story

The website, Wired for  Story,  based on the book of the same name, is one worth exploring.  Yes, the author does have a link to sell her book, but offers "insights into unlocking the secrets of story to hook your readers from the very first sentence."  A site worth digesting and I even have a link to her book, Wired For Story in my Writer's Emporium shop, which should tell you a bit about what I think of the book. 
But, book or not, visit the site and read some of the...

Writing, Writer & The Writer's Life

I've done a lot of articles for this blog and offered a lot of links to helpful writing sites. for the new and aspiring as well as the established writer.

Today I think I'm going to kick back and just discuss some of the less 'nuts and bolts' of writing and talk a little about what it's like to be a writer.

Of course there's a lot of writing out there and a lot depends on what kind of writing you do.  I lean to advice for the fiction writer mostly as I am mostly a fiction writer. But, I...