Show, Don’t Tell: How to Write like a Movie Camera

by Lewis / February 19, 2019 / Editing, Other

What does “show, don’t tell” even mean?

This ever present piece of writing advice has confounded more than its fair share of beginning writers. It’s found in creative writing classes and workshops, in nearly every guide on how to write, and in countless blogs like this one. Despite this, how do you actually put “show, don’t tell” into practice?

I was just as lost as you for many years. It’s easy to see why showing instead of telling is important in novels―you want your readers to feel engaged with the story and telling produces the same reaction as a dry newspaper article. The question then, is how to make the reader a part of the action—and the answer is, “like a movie camera.”

How Picture Books Can Save Novelists from the Dreaded Rewrite

by Rachel Michelle Wilson / February 15, 2019 / Guest Posts, Other

A novelist has to make a lot of decisions.

Whether you’re choosing an original story concept, seductive hook, tension-building plot point, or interesting character, you’ll often experience anxiety when thinking about the various aspects of your novel.

Some writers push through the stress by discovery writing, then realize (after writing thousands of words) that their plot doesn’t work, their character isn’t likable, or their POV is all wrong. So they have to rewrite the entire thing. Oh, wait…that kind of sounds like me. Does it sound like you too?

8 Ways to Create Positive Writing Habits

by Lewis / February 12, 2019 / Inspiration

Habits are the foundation of any writing practice.

These habits can come in many forms—some writers swear by writing every morning while others write only on the weekends. Still others close themselves in their studies until their entire story is finished while some post each chapter they complete online for feedback.

No matter the specifics of their habits, all successful writers share a few traits in common. These core traits are the backbone of their writing habits and unify the often confusing advice so many novice writers get. After all, what worked for Ernest Hemingway or Zadie Smith may not work for you, but the underlying principles remain.

How an Editorial Calendar Can Organize Your Writing Life

by Lewis / February 5, 2019 / Other

Being organized is the key to a smooth writing process.

Think about it—you’re trying to tackle a huge, fifty thousand word (or more) project. You’re juggling plot, character arcs, world-building, and a ton of other moving parts. I’m sure you can see why I’m such a strong believer in outlining your novel before you begin!

However, an outline only covers the story of your novel, not the logistics of actually creating said story. You need to write multiple drafts, coordinate with beta readers and editors, and plan time to do editing of your own, not to mention actually getting some sleep! So how will you make the time to write?

History: The Secret Weapon of Fantasy Writers

by Sarah Zama / February 1, 2019 / Guest Posts, Worldbuilding

I’ve heard it time and again…

Some readers will stay clear of fantasy because “fantasy” seems to imply “unrealistic.”

As a storyteller, I firmly believe that all stories are fantasy and all good stories—even fantasy stories—are realistic. There’s only one difference. Because “realistic” stories mimic life so faithfully, they more easily trick us into believing we are reading reality (when we are in fact reading stories). Fantasy doesn’t cheat us.