Rachel Dacus's Blog, page 8

Why I Want to Write About Jane Austen

Who really was Jane Austen? I want to write about Jane Austen to plumb the depths of the enigma. The famous author was full of contradictions. Supposedly, she was quiet and obedient, a devout lady of her time, but she longed for the adventure her brothers enjoyed. She was a sarcastic cynic about human relationships...

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Have a Summer of Magical Realism Fiction

The Appeal of Magic & Reading Recommendations The appeal of magical realism fiction — the extraordinary appearing within the everyday — let us escape the ordinary, feel powerful, and believe in dimensions beyond what we can see Real life has its magical moments, but plunging into a magical novel can sustain heightened feelings. Reading magical...

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Have a Summer of Magical Realism Reading

The Appeal of Magic in a Story & 3 Reading Recommendations What makes us crave magic in storytelling? The appeal of magic in a story allows us to: Escape the ordinariness of life Feel more powerful than usual Believe in more than what we can see Real life has its magical moments but they’re usually...

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Which authors would you erase from history?

As I work on another time travel story, I find myself thinking deeply about what it would mean for the present to change the past. This is the kind of thing I ponder in my best thinking places — where running water or wind is involved. That’s why I dictate more and more poetry and...

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Writing Tip — How to Write Good Love Scenes

Writing Love Scenes Some of the most challenging writing is creating compelling love scenes. Originality and emotion are the keys to selling a love scene. Readers will instantly be put off by predictability and cliches. What position does the love story occupy in the overall story arc? In a romance, the love story is the...

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Writing Tip: Is It Romance or Women’s Fiction?

Is It Romance or Women’s Fiction? The overlap between romance and women’s fiction is a juicy territory. It’s where characters grow deeper, learn more about why love is important, and develop into better human beings. The story may show how they plunge off a looming cliff of disaster but grow wings as they fall. In...

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Are You Writing Romance or Women’s Fiction? The Overlap

Is It Romance or Women’s Fiction? The overlap between romance and women’s fiction is a juicy territory. It’s where characters grow deeper, learn more about why love is important, and develop into better human beings. The story may show how they plunge off a looming cliff of disaster but grow wings as they fall. In … Read more "Are You Writing Romance or Women’s Fiction? The Overlap"

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To Bravery – Writers in War

Writers in Wartime We’re all watching a shocking invasion unfold. To know what it’s like in person, I’ve been following Ukrainians who live with explosions, sirens, and possible flight. I’m wondering what it must be like to be ousted from home, fleeing and frightened. And I wonder what I can do. This morning, I went … Read more "To Bravery – Writers in War"

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Dogs, Cats, and Their Writers — a Love Story

Why Writers Love the Company of Pets Creative people spend a lot of time alone. For many of us, the silent presence of another being is both soothing and a spur to imagination. Dogs, cats, and their writers — a love story. Do you have a furry, feathered, or finny writing companion? On social media...

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Dogs, cats, birds, and writers — a love story

Writing pals — I noticed how my tiny terrier is almost always curled up touching my foot or arm as I write. Do you have a furry, feathery, or finny writing companion? Mine is named Terry, and she’s almost always curled up next to my leg. Creative people spend a lot of time alone. I … Read more "Dogs, cats, birds, and writers — a love story"

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