What does it mean to "know the story you want to tell" and how does it help us as writers? It's not about plot and characters. It's so much more than that and I've found real depth and writing satisfaction from my work when I've actually known the story I want to tell. Here's how… Continue reading Knowing The Story You Want To Tell
Tag: writing characters
“Write What You Know”
I wanted to quickly unpack this piece of writing advice: "Write what you know". I've heard it so many times before and I used to think, "Well, that's stupid. I'm writing a fantasy, and so I can't write what I know. I've never been to a fantasy world or fought in wars!" Oh, Siana, how… Continue reading “Write What You Know”
Creatives Have These 3 False Beliefs
Starving Artist Lifestyle Most creatives (unless they come from money) believe that they must go through the Starving Artist phase on their journey to success. Worse still, some believe that this is all an artist can ever be. Wrong! Elizabeth Gilbert (the author of Eat, Pray, Love) said something in her book Big Magic that I'll… Continue reading Creatives Have These 3 False Beliefs
What Young Writers Should Do To Become Pro (Except Education)
*Some of these things work for both young and beginners/amateur writers* *Also, these are things that are less obvious tips. Like it's obvious that writing voluntarily for a local magazine could help you, but what else? What else can help you develop in a less structured way?* Spend a year (at least) working in… Continue reading What Young Writers Should Do To Become Pro (Except Education)
Other Things to Study As A Writer
We all know the obvious subjects for study if you aim to be a writer: English, Literature, Language, and Creative Writing. There are also the more specific ones, like Journalism, Marketing, and Screenwriting. But what other areas of study could we benefit from? What could enhance our writing and creation of ideas in ways these… Continue reading Other Things to Study As A Writer
Relating to Characters More Than Real People
I love rewatching shows like Community, Friends, How I Met Your Mother, Brooklyn 99, One Day at a Time, Gilmore Girls, and Parks and Recreation for mainly one reason: the characters. The storyline doesn't have to be great; it's the characters that I fall in love with. Characters that I can relate to, get life advice… Continue reading Relating to Characters More Than Real People
Rethinking the Strong Female Character
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
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
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
S. R. Crawford 