It is great that nowadays we are seeing more female heroes in books, film, and TV. However, I don't think (and many agree) that the strong female character is actually doing what it's supposed to do. Let me explain. A strong female character is supposed to show young girls, and even women, that they can… Continue reading Rethinking the Strong Female Character
Category: Author Stuff
How to Bring Diversity into your Story
I wanted to discuss this as someone who supports diversity, someone who feels underrepresented in books and films and TV, and someone who is an author who writes with diversity in mind. Everything I say is my own opinion and advice, said with good intentions... Be realistic The first thing to remember when writing diversity… Continue reading How to Bring Diversity into your Story
How My Puppy Has Changed My Life
as a socially anxious, introverted work-from-home writer... *and by "change my life" I don't mean in an exaggerated, I-will-never-be-the-same-again kind of way; I just mean changed my perspective and routine etc.* Teaching me patience I put this first because oh-wow, a puppy really does test your patience! I've never had a dog before and with… Continue reading How My Puppy Has Changed My Life
Why Newt Scamander is the Best (Popular) Hero Out Now
I hope anyone who reads my blog and is a fantasy writer has already watched Fantastic Beasts and has seen the new one this month! I had mixed feelings about the new film, but in general, Newt and the beasts were...fantastic! (See what I did there?)But why do I think that Newt Scamander is one… Continue reading Why Newt Scamander is the Best (Popular) Hero Out Now
Fleshing Out Your Characters: Cheat Sheet
List of character traits: Funny guy Hopeless romantic Neurotic Clumsy Tired Genius Know-it-all Angry Jealous Sad Loner Hero Brave Sleepy Fool Orangiser Sporty Adventurer Reader Curious Helper Arrogant Leader List of character occupations: Baker Doctor Scientist Detective Policeman Firefighter Vet War hero Interior Designer Architect Criminal Entrepreneur Librarian Writer Journalist Game designer Athlete Fisherman Farmer… Continue reading Fleshing Out Your Characters: Cheat Sheet
Your NaNoWriMo Toolkit
NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month and it is this massive worldwide writing event where writers from every corner of the globe all vow to write 50,000 words in the month of November! It is crazy, it is hard, and it is awesome! The camaraderie and support and community with this event is so beautiful… Continue reading Your NaNoWriMo Toolkit
Black Authors to Read (Black History Month Inspired)
Here is a list of some truly inspiring, notable black authors and some of their works: Oprah {I've read some} Maya Angelou {I've read some} Martin Luther King & Coretta Scott King Malcolm X Alex Haley - Roots: The Saga of an American Family Tomi Adeyemi - The Children of Blood and Bone {I've read} Nic… Continue reading Black Authors to Read (Black History Month Inspired)
Awesome Black Characters (Black History Month Inspired)
(I've purposely missed out characters from historical films about slavery or the segregation of black people, for I have another post coming purely for that) Also, this is a list of characters that I know, not the only ones that are out there! Please add your favourite awesome black characters in the comments... Shuri (Black Panther)… Continue reading Awesome Black Characters (Black History Month Inspired)
How to Be a Healthy Writer
Don't isolate yourselfIt is very easy as a writer to become isolated. Your work involves you, a laptop or a notebook and pen. Yes, of course, there's the characters in your head - but I'm sorry, they don't count. Make a conscious effort to be around real people, at least now and then. Don't let… Continue reading How to Be a Healthy Writer
How to Be a Better Storyteller
All writers are storytellers. Whether you are writing a novel or a blog post, you are essentially telling a story. But how do you become a better storyteller? How do you ensure that your narrative and characters aren't dry and boring? How do you make it all feel real whether it is a non-fiction or… Continue reading How to Be a Better Storyteller
S. R. Crawford 