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, a library and a librarian are a researcher’s best friend.…
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. I would not have a clue where to start. I…
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 room with a view (ocean or mountains optional). The most…
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 way to educate yourself on the art of writing than…
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 different variations of the same theme. You can write about…
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 an exciting time to be a writer at this pivotal…
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 up a notch and develop them even further to make…
The secret every one of us learns after many years of writing is that writing is not just about that flash of inspiration. It is mostly about re-writing and editing. Lots of it. When editing your chapters, I suggest the following: Read it aloud and fix any sentence that sounds stilted. Check your dialogue. Is…
