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
Tag: authors life
Inspiration Tools for Fantasy Writers
Hey, fellow fantasy writers. Today, I wanted to share with you a few perhaps lesser-known ways to find inspiration for your fantasy worlds and characters... Pottermore Anyone who is a Harry Potter fan will know of the site Pottermore, which is rich in extended content about the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts universe. I've recently… Continue reading Inspiration Tools for Fantasy Writers
Force It!
Sometimes, sadly, in order to be productive, we have to force it. The best way to ensure something gets done is to give yourself no other choice but to do it. Yes, this can be a little frustrating, but it can really work when you're trying something new or trying to build new habits that… Continue reading Force It!
Life Lessons from Harry Potter
As a writer: Detail Detail is key. Not George R. R. Martin level of detail, right down to the petal detail on every flower in a meadow, but real detail. Character detail. Room detail. What people are really like and think about and talk about and do. Details matter; it makes the difference between a… Continue reading Life Lessons from Harry Potter
What A Panel of Black Authors Meant for Me
On Tuesday this week, I was able to hear authors Tomi Adeyemi (pictured with me above), Yomi Adegoke, and Elizabeth Uviebinene talk at a bookstore. These authors all had one thing in common - they were black, and they were Nigerian. It was a euphoric experience! I'm not the kind of woman (and never was… Continue reading What A Panel of Black Authors Meant for Me
How I Know I was Meant to be a Middle-Grade Author
Hopefully you know by now that I've made the switch from writing YA fantasy to now writing MG fantasy. I've been thinking lately that it's always been obvious that I am better suited to children's fantasy than young adult or teen fantasy, and here's why... I can be poetic and whimsical and silly with my… Continue reading How I Know I was Meant to be a Middle-Grade Author
Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
I was speaking to my friend (and critique partner) about our books the other day. I'm in the editing process but she's still in the writing the draft process. And we were envious of each other! You see, I think there's different kinds of writers who thrive in different ways. I thrive in the writing… Continue reading Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
Exploring the Colossal City of Rome
Rome is a destination on nearly everyone's list of "places to visit" because of the Colosseum (amongst other things). In fact, it's always been one of the iconic monuments that I've always wanted to set eyes on, to remind myself of how amazing this world and the people in it can be - with all… Continue reading Exploring the Colossal City of Rome
Mind Mapping for Writers
I love mind maps. Countless times have they helped me figure out ideas that I was struggling with. Here are a few ways that you can use mind maps: Details for your story: this is the biggest one. I've used many mind maps to help me to discover detail about my story without feeling like… Continue reading Mind Mapping for Writers
Why Writing is Hard
Writing is hard. It is. Not because writing something is hard, because technically everyone can write something. Not because coming up with good ideas is hard, because all kinds of people (extraordinary and not so extraordinary) can come up with ideas everyday. No, writing is hard because: Discipline - it takes discipline to sit with… Continue reading Why Writing is Hard
S. R. Crawford 