Fiction
One Bite at a Time
by Ron Estarada The old adage gives explicit instructions on how to eat an elephant: one bite at a time. Anne Lamont’s outstanding writing how-to book Bird by Bird follows the same line of reasoning. In fact, just about any book on the craft begs and pleads of the beginning novelist not to sit down…
Tension–the Writer’s Gorilla Glue
by Ron Estrada Well Super G is back, so I can’t talk about her like I did for the past two weeks. Most of the stuff I said wasn’t true. At least it couldn’t be proved. Speaking of tension, that’s our topic of the day. Last weekend I read Brandilyn Collins latest, That Dog Won’t…
Writing Tools Review- How Scrivener Changed My Writing Life
by Ron Estrada While Super G is off galavanting through New York, doing writerly things and hobnobbing with the big muckety mucks on Avenue of the Americas, she has given me the keys to WI. It is always satisfying when my relentless charm and Charlie Brown good looks lure yet another female into trusting me…
Creating Quirky Characters
I started novel-writing when chick-lit was “the thing.” It’s not “the thing” anymore, but I miss those quirky characters. Bridget Jones in granny panties. The Finland-loving Rebecca Bloomwood. And, of course, Kristin Billerbeck’s Ashley Stockingdale. Why? Because I relate to them. I’m not angst-ridden like Bella Swan or strong and silent like Katniss. I’m more…
Taking the Sting Out of a Bad Review So You Can Become a Better Writer
No one likes a bad review, but let’s be honest, some of what the reviewer says might hold a bit of truth, if we’re brave enough to listen. So how do you get past the sting of a bad review so you can become a better writer? Grow Thick Skin Remember your first hard critique?…
When Research Becomes a Little Too Real
Repost from Guest blog on http://brandyheineman.wordpress.com “I grab some cookies to snack on while I read, & next thing I know, there’s an autopsy happening. Well played, Ms Conroy. Well played. ;)” This Tweet from @brandyhei while she was reading my autopsy scene in Digging Up Death got me thinking… do readers really know what authors go…
What Writers Can Learn From Disney
The company I work for sent me to a training seminar presented by the Disney Institute. The instructors spoke about how Disney does business and how to apply their concepts of leadership and customer service to your own organization. I found that some of the lessons could be applied to my life as a writer.…
THINK Before You Publish
Every January I evaluate my blog and the direction of my writing. Am I where I want to be? Headed where I want to go? This year I discovered a distinct lack of courage. I play it safe too often. Since then I’ve discovered something I should have known all along: hot topics sell. (Brilliant…
Writing Historicals: Immerse Yourself in the Details
Tuesday Teachings from the archives: I’ve been going back through the wonderful content on Writer…Interrupted and wanted to share the relevant teaching from past posts! Hope you enjoy this new Tuesday feature!- Gina Three of my first four contracted books involve a step back in time to the days of World War Two. I may have…
Writing Historicals: Immerse Yourself in the Time Period
Tuesday Teachings from the archives: I’ve been going back through the wonderful content on Writer…Interrupted and wanted to share the relevant teaching from past posts! Hope you enjoy this new Tuesday feature!- Gina Three of my first four contracted books involve a step back in time to the days of World War Two. I may have…