Tension and suspense are key to gripping your reader. Conflict is what makes a story interesting but there is boring conflict and then there is natural and tense conflict! You want the latter if you can! I will be talking today about natural conflict and tension using the latest Planet of the Apes franchise to… Continue reading How to create natural tension and conflict in your narrative
Tag: writing
Preptober – how to prepare for NaNoWriMo (or simply writing a novel quickly)
For those of you who don't know, I wrote my 84,000-word novel this year in about 5 weeks. This did not include writing every day. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is about writing 50,000 words in a month, so in a way, I did that this year already! However, I do want to do a… Continue reading Preptober – how to prepare for NaNoWriMo (or simply writing a novel quickly)
What to do about creative confusion
Many creators talk about writers block or feeling creatively stuck but what about feeling confusion in your creativity? When you have a lot of ideas and feel confused and unsure about where to go with them. This is how I feel at the moment. I started writing a semi-autobiographical story. It felt like a really… Continue reading What to do about creative confusion
I want stories to tell
I realised today that I am not a writer. Yes, I write. Yes, I can write well at times. But I am not a writer. A writer, to me, sounds like someone who is an expert; or enjoys it; or is well-practiced in the wielding of words. Words are their tools. They’re a wordsmith. Maybe… Continue reading I want stories to tell
Writing my novel this summer
I did it. The first draft of my adult dystopian fantasy is complete. 84,000 words written in 5 weeks (36 days) - not all of which were writing days. Started 26th July and finished 30th August. I got the idea sometime in June I believe. The time has come and gone so quickly. I really… Continue reading Writing my novel this summer
A Writer Be (poem)
Who are you If you can’t stitch sentences slowly With real intention and wonder? A world rife with the unfair and cruel Become words on my page. Awakened and raw They hold everything And nothing. Maybe my wants are too cruel, too Because how can I capture A memory? A place? A person? Isn’t it… Continue reading A Writer Be (poem)
How to develop an intuitive writing practice
I thought about this concept randomly the other day and wanted to see if there’s more information out there about it. Because to me, it sounds like a really gentle, creative, and flowy way to write. Writing not by routines or goals (alone) but in line with your intuition. Your inner knowing. What does this… Continue reading How to develop an intuitive writing practice
Mommy’s little girl (poem)
Mommy’s little girl Stands silently aside Never fussing or fretting Hides what’s inside. Mommy’s little girl Has a voice unheard Whispering. Screaming. A fiery bird. Mommy’s little girl Doesn’t know who she is This Phoenix of power That comes from within. Mommy’s little girl Has a story to tell But mommy is speaking And we… Continue reading Mommy’s little girl (poem)
Why I should write today! (Motivation for writers)
Today I wanted to bring you some quickfire motivation to get writing. Some of these are silly or funny, but ALL of them are subjective. Don’t take them to be accusatory or rude! Why I should write today (and so should you!): Because I want to, deep down, I’m just overthinking itBecause I will never… Continue reading Why I should write today! (Motivation for writers)
What to do when you’re too tired to write
For two days now, I've felt too tired to write. It's been justified after long days out. We all have those days. Some may say that the best thing to do is to power through. Sure, if that's possible; go ahead. It depends on what you need. Sometimes the kindest thing to do for yourself… Continue reading What to do when you’re too tired to write
S. R. Crawford 