Franzen's list of 'rules' touched a nerve with many writers. I wanted to find out why. Here are the results of a bit of research...
The Most Hated Writing ‘Rules’ – The Results
Tag: writing advice
Knowing When to Re-write
When all you have for counsel is yourself, you can never be sure if a re-write is the right thing to do. What if the original version is better? What if I've made it worse? There are, however, some things we can do to help make this crucial and difficult decision a little easier.
The Most Hated Writing ‘Rules’
All this discombobulating has given me an idea: an examination of these rules from the perspective of those 'bound' by them, the writers. What rules do you detest most? What do you find yourself breaking often? What ones do you not see the point of? Which do you regard as outdated and no longer relevant?
Character Plotting
I’m a bit of a planner when it comes to writing. I need a framework, something to help keep my eye on the end game. Before I begin any story or chapter it has to be planned in as much detail as possible. In the past, most of my planning focused on plot. Moving the story from A to B. While I include character development in this, it never had much of a focal point.
The Importance of Premise
It's interesting how attitudes change. When I first began writing I viewed plot as the most important element of a story. If characters live a static existence, then what's the point? The more time I invested in improving my writing, I realised the error of my ways. Character is, in fact, king. It's their conflicts,… Continue reading The Importance of Premise
Keep on Truckin’
Writing can be like a game of snakes and ladders. You inch your way toward the top, only for a snake to appear and banish you to the pits of misery. That’s how it feels, anyway.
What is the magic formula for success?
Plotting: The Crucible
The crucible is one of the simplest and most effective plotting tools. At its core is the relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist. The conflict they share spawns plot. It illustrates wonderfully the interwoven relationship enjoyed between character and plot.
The Essence of Science Fiction and Fantasy
Today I present a guest post by Ed White, writer of fantasy and science fiction. It's these two genres that his article focuses on, discussing their origins, their very essence, and, as Ed puts it, 'the legion' of sub-genres that have developed to make these genres two of the most exciting, inspirational and forward-thinking of all.
Turning to Art for Inspiration
Sometimes the ideas dry up. Trump's Wall blocks out creativity and all you can do is lament. A terrific solution to those droughts, I've found, is art
World-building: Battle Tactics I
Dros Delnoch, Pelennor Fields, Julatsa, the Battle of the Bastards, Helms Deep. These are just some of the most iconic battles in fantasy. The writers of these epic clashes knew a thing or two about warfare, and this post aims to give you some research to aid your creation of the compelling and gripping clashes fantasy fans love so much.
