Don't worry, this post won't be as "depressing" as it sounds. I just wanted to reach out to my fellow writers and say you're not alone if you've ever felt depressed. Because we all get like that at times and here's why writers suffer so much. Our work is under appreciated and under valued. We… Continue reading Why Writers Get Depressed
Why “Red Queen” Wasn’t All That
Under-developed characters: I felt that Mare Barrow (the main character) was very meh for me. She seemed bland and just an accessory for the story instead of a strong, developed, real character. I didn't care about her or her story. I didn't like her. And I just couldn't get into her person. In fact, I… Continue reading Why “Red Queen” Wasn’t All That
Enter my Book’s Giveaway!
The first book in my fantasy series is up for a giveaway, the last day is today! So get your FREE SIGNED COPY of Ash Born if you're in the U.K. Just click the link below and sign up! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/240423-ash-born
Writing Advice NOT to Take
"Never start a story with the weather" - you can do whatever you like, as long as it's not boring! "Write what you know" - yes, you should explore what you know first, definitely. But if you want to write something else, do it! Technically, I started writing a love story before I knew what… Continue reading Writing Advice NOT to Take
What Makes a Character Bad
They make decisions that don't really make sense. They're bad to be bad. They have no history. They don't want anything. There's nothing driving them forwards except you, the writer. They're a meh character. Nothing about them is interesting. No one cares about them. They aren't realistic. Maybe they're perfect or never make mistakes or… Continue reading What Makes a Character Bad
How to Create a Character Profile
Anyone who is serious about writing a story, especially one with a lot of characters, should know what a character profile is - and use them. Take my fantasy series, for example, there are over 160 main-ish characters throughout the 4 books. Yes, that many! In order to keep up, and know each of them… Continue reading How to Create a Character Profile
Tools to Help you Focus When Writing
Instrumental music (without words/lyrics) Inspirational music A comfy but not too comfy environment No noise or other people or distractions Turn off your phone Turn off your WiFi Set a time slot for working Take breaks Have notes to refer back to in order to get started and stay on track Tell people you're about… Continue reading Tools to Help you Focus When Writing
How to Write Every Day
Have a set writing routine "I will write at such-and-such time every day." Have a set writing environment. Have inspiration tools readily available, e.g. Read a chapter before writing or music or a Pinterest board! Force yourself even when you don't feel up to it. (You can always edit later.) Even writing one paragraph is… Continue reading How to Write Every Day
How Life is Like Driving…
It's scary at first when you're learning, but after a while you get the hang of it and "muscle memory" helps you handle things more smoothly. Anyone can be good or bad at it at any stage or walk of life. There's always someone who can give you advice on how to be better. When… Continue reading How Life is Like Driving…
Why Writers Rock!
Overworked and underpaid - but we do it anyway. We give life to everything. We are the creators of the lines those "awesome actors" you love say. No writers, no films or tv shows. Take nothing and make it into something. We build worlds. We bring people to life. We make many cry, laugh and… Continue reading Why Writers Rock!
S. R. Crawford 