One of the definite downsides to living in the boonies is the wildlife. I mean, it’s great and all, but not when it’s totally batty, winging through my house emitting sonic shrieks. Yep. We’ve got actual, real-life bats, and despite having an exterminator tamp down every possible access point, somehow it’s a common occurrence. My… Read more »
I find it very difficult to name a favorite type of mystery, but it just might be puzzle mysteries. They scratch a cognitive itch. Solving them, whether in a book, an app, or a video game, feels so satisfying. Plus, they’re just fun. In the past, some leveled the criticism that puzzle mysteries lacked in… Read more »
Regardless of how good your story idea is, how great your writing is, or how powerful your manuscript is, you must get past the gatekeepers of traditional publishing before an agent will read a single page of your manuscript… and hopefully fall in love with your story. Two of those gatekeepers are the query and… Read more »
There is nothing more fun than building a world from scratch. Entire magic systems, new technology, alternate timelines, fascinating characters… And you, and only you, make the rules for your world: what creatures exist there? How does physics work (or not work)? Where in time does your world take place? We introverts are stuck in… Read more »
Today’s episode is our monthly Craft Jam. This is a new feature at DIY MFA, where once a month, Lori and I will be jamming about the craft. In these episodes, we’ll be doing a deep dive into various craft topics like character development, story structure, world building, and more. This month’s episode is a… Read more »
One of my marketing clients came right out with the TRUTH recently: “I hate social media,” she said. “I don’t even know where to start, what to post, and the whole thing just gives me stomach cramps.” Writer, does this sound like you? Then take a DEEP BREATH. In this blog, you’ll get a quickstart… Read more »
As writers, we are encouraged to go to conferences. To get the lay of the genre and the industry. To fangirl/boy with our favorite authors. To network and to take workshops. To meet and pitch to agents. In short, to find our community. I cannot think of a better one for the new or emerging… Read more »
I am an unapologetically voracious reader, but that wasn’t always the case. When I first started writing seriously I eschewed all forms of creativity other than my own. Nuts to all that read your genre, read widely nonsense. Why? Something about not wanting to be influenced by other people’s work, or some such malarkey. And… Read more »
Writing is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. For LGBTQ+ writers, the act of writing can be even more transformative, as it provides a platform to share their unique perspectives, challenge societal norms, and foster understanding and acceptance. Today, I want to explore the invaluable benefits of writing… Read more »
What does Music have to do with writing you ask? For some people, nothing; for some, it is setting the Mood. Some people swear by the use of background music to stimulate their creative flow. Stephen King comes to mind with his use of heavy metal to stimulate his creativity. Other people, such as myself,… Read more »
