Speaking with a friend and fellow writer, I’ve finally summed up my issue with my writing at the moment. Connection. Sometimes, a story is great. It works. Or it has narrative promise, strong characters and fits the genre and industry well. But sometimes, you still don’t connect with the story yourself. This is a problem… Continue reading What if you and the story just aren’t connecting?
Tag: advice for writing novels
Reminders for every time I plan to write
Today I wanted to share a list of things I nearly always have to remind myself before I write. Sometimes we have routines or even just a burst of energy and a desire to write, but then the fear or resistance sets in. Like we're being tortured by this desire that one moment ago brought… Continue reading Reminders for every time I plan to write
The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
This week, I started a new novel. I’m very excited about this one as it’s slightly different from the ones I’ve done before, but it is inspired by the last three high fantasy novels I’ve written over the last two years. However, there’s something I need to fight at the moment: the urge to rush.… Continue reading The power of going slow when writing (and in life)
Are you scared to write your novel?
Damn it, I think I'm scared to write my novel! I have a solid story idea that excites me. It makes me think of a Pixar film, which is a good sign immediately! But for some reason, there's a lot of resistance in me to write the thing. I'm off from work on Easter break,… Continue reading Are you scared to write your novel?
Why I love writing stories
I think writing is dreaming. It’s the reason I write fantasy novels. I dream of other worlds and possibilities I can’t live in real life. And writing from another character means we get to live other lives. Make different choices without suffering the consequences or the fear in reality. It’s the reason I really want… Continue reading Why I love writing stories
How to be a practising writer
I’m changing the terminology I use about many areas of my life in order to change how I feel about them, including my writing. I don’t want to call myself an amateur writer - because I’m not; I’ve been writing for a long time and it has negative connotations of being bad at something almost.… Continue reading How to be a practising writer
How to Create Actively: Redefining Success and Creative Habits
Anyone who actively follows my blog must have noticed I've been feeling a bit icky creatively. It's only last week that I reminded myself that I'm not in a creative catastrophe! This is not a creative slump. I finished writing a novel's first draft only at the end of August, just two months ago. That… Continue reading How to Create Actively: Redefining Success and Creative Habits
Writing Updates: Am I doing NaNoWriMo this year? What’s next?
At first, I thought My NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November) this year was going to be more of a National Short Story Writing Month (NaSSWriMo). This is because I want to write lots of short stories, even if they’re flash fiction. I want to use my voice and play with style and genre… Continue reading Writing Updates: Am I doing NaNoWriMo this year? What’s next?
What Makes a Good Villain – Writing Podcast Ep. 8
Welcome back, Daydreamers! Today we have a very exciting episode all about villains! Villains are main characters and should be treated as such. In this episode, we help you flesh out your villain and consider their role in your story from a new angle. Here is how to write a realistic and compelling villain for… Continue reading What Makes a Good Villain – Writing Podcast Ep. 8
How to World Build for a Fantasy Novel – Writing Podcast Ep. 7
Welcome back, Daydreamers! Today we are bringing out the big guns and talking about how to build a world for your fantasy novel. Worldbuilding is a big part of being a fantasy novelist and if this scares you, don't worry, we have your back! Here is everything to consider when worldbuilding and how to write… Continue reading How to World Build for a Fantasy Novel – Writing Podcast Ep. 7
S. R. Crawford 