There are a lot of published writers out there that are self-taught. I do not think that you necessarily need an MFA in Creative Writing in order to write and be published. To hone your skills as a writer, there are some things that you can do by yourself. It is said that in order…
The importance of libraries, even in this digital age, cannot be underestimated. If you need to do research for your current work-in-progress (WIP), the library may be a good place to start. With trained staff and a wealth of resources (reliable ones) at their fingertips,…
The other night I went to a Meat Loaf concert. I expected to hear some great music, do a bit of head banging, and have fun. I did not expect to learn something which fundamentally shifted my understanding of what, and why, I write. I…
To be honest, the thought of doing any kind of in-depth research for a book that is screaming to be written is a bit daunting. Picturing myself walking into the main library back home with its multiple floors and endless supply of books is intimidating.…
A writer’s space is that particular area occupied by the writer to tease out the muse. It does not necessarily have to be a room per se, but that is what most writers aspire to and of course, the ideal would be to have a…
Like most readers, I read strictly for pleasure. But if I fall in love with a certain writer’s voice or I am trying to learn more about a particular genre, then I read with the twin purpose of pleasure and learning. There is no better…
How often are we reminded that as writers we should only write what we know. If I were to adhere to that, then my writing would be very limited and I would probably only be able to eke out two or three books based on…
I cannot believe the changes I have seen in the publishing industry in the last fifteen years since I have started really paying attention. From where publishing was to where it is today, I definitely think that it has changed for the better. It is…
Before you begin to write your book, you pretty much have a good idea about your main characters. You know what they look like, you know about their psychological makeup and you are pretty well-versed in their history and motivations. But you can take it…
