I think what I've loved about writing this summer is that it has been a real exploration of my voice as a writer. I've had to suppress the urge to fixate on 'what is this novel about?' because that, perhaps, doesn't serve me in the beginning stages of an idea. If an idea is old… Continue reading Discovering myself as a writer this summer
Tag: creative writing
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?
How to improve your critical thinking to improve your creative writing
I think part of our jobs as writers is to have a critical eye. We can't just read a book and move on to the next. I need to get into the habit of engaging with them a little more. Questioning it and myself after having read it. Even if it's one I read "for… Continue reading How to improve your critical thinking to improve your creative writing
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
S. R. Crawford 