Here’s a quick grammar tip for today. You’ve probably wondered the rule behind when to use i.e. versus when to use e.g. Both i.e and e.g. are based in Latin. I.e.stands for id est, meaning “that is.” E.g. stands for exempli gratia, meaning “for example.” I was reading a good way to remember… Read More »i.e. vs e.g
I’m finally getting around to writing the dreaded novel synopsis. The synopsis is probably the most challenging item when putting together materials in order to be considered for publication. Not every agent I’ve found requests a synopsis. Everyone is different. Some want a query, synopsis, and the first few pages of… Read More »Writing a novel synopsis
What are your thoughts on free-writing vs. outlining? Do you like to start writing and let the story evolve as your write, or do you plan out your plot points, characters, etc. before you ever begin your story? I would say I’m more of a free-writer. Though I may switch… Read More »Discussion Topic: Free-Writing vs. Outlining
Writer’s Corner has a good article on How to Find Interesting Words and Names for Your Fantasy Writing. The article covers the following points: Keep a small notebook of interesting names and words Maps are an excellent resource Dictionaries and encyclopedias Foreign languages Add a glossary to your novel Hearing… Read More »Create Unique Words and Names When Writing Fantasy
Scott Ginsberg has some good advice on disciplining yourself to be a more effective writer. His article 8 (More) Ways to Discipline Yourself to Write Every Single Day – Even When You’re Not in the Mood covers the following points: 1. Shift your attitude toward writing. 2. Rearrange your definition… Read More »8 Ways to Disciplined Writing, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
I’ve compiled a list of blog topics related to medieval history, historical fiction, fantasy, fiction writing, or industry news. Here’s a brief rundown: Mark Lord dicusses Medieval Myths about Witchcraft and Sorcery ABC will air an hourlong documentary about the woman behind the boy wizard, “J.K Rowling: A Year in… Read More »Blogs of Interest
Does the fantasy novel you’re working on avoid the typical writing cliches? Compare your novel against the following Web sites: Grand List of Fantasy Cliches Risus Fantasy Cliches The Fantasy Cliche Meter (The Good Guys) The Fantasy Cliche Meter (The Bad Guys) Granted, the Web sites are not aesthetically pleasing,… Read More »Fantasy Writing / Novel Cliches
“Ten Mistakes Writers Don’t See (But Can Easily Fix When They Do)” A good article discussing the common problems amateur writers face that cause literary agents, publishers, and editors to immediately dismiss submissions. The list includes: Repeats Flat Writing Empty Adverbs Phony Dialogue No-Good Suffixes The “To Be” Words Lists… Read More »The 10 Common Mistakes of Amateur Writers
911 Writer’s Block: An interactive site to help you break writer’s block. Press a number for help with a particular area of writing. Exercises include: settings, characters, dramatic entrances, dialogue, commiserate, verbs, calisthenics, killing off a character, endings, and more. *image retrieved from associatedcontent.com, credit to Writer’s Association