Editing. Just mention of the word is enough to send chills down many writers’ spines. That’s because they’re taking the wrong mindset when they approach the editing process. Keeping the following five things in mind during the editing process can turn a frustrating experience into a joyous one. 1. You managed to write all of… Read more »
What makes a great love story? Whether you’re writing romance, mystery, or literary fiction, when you’re incorporating romance into our work, the task is the same—to write a believable, engaging relationship that keeps readers turning the pages. (I write contemporary fiction, for example, but I write contemporary fiction that sometimes has romance in it, and… Read more »
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Rob Hart. We’ll be talking about The Paradox Hotel, a time-twisting, speculative thrill ride that raises questions about memory and reality that will keep you up at night. Have you signed up to be a DIY MFA Radio Insider yet? This is an exciting new monthly newsletter, especially… Read more »
As a reader and writer of fantasy, I love world building. But it’s one of those things that is easy to get lost in, both as a writer creating it and as a reader consuming it. So, before we get started, please remember that this is supposed to be fun! As always whenever I offer… Read more »
Today’s post will teach you about writing combat scenes, but first, join me on a quick trip down memory lane… Have you ever experienced something that you knew, in the moment, would change your life? Maybe when you first found your passion, or when you first tasted your favorite meal, maybe you heard a song… Read more »
Happy Sunday, leisure learners! Can you believe that it’s almost reading outside time?! (It’s like swimsuit season, but for word nerds.) As you probably know, we are heading into National Poetry Month for April. The selections below are in the spirit of throwing grammar temporarily aside, focusing on individual words and even individual letters. In… Read more »
Dedication to your writing is important, but at times it can go too far. I’ve often found myself so absorbed in my work that I ignored my own basic needs. Which, if kept up, not only jeopardizes my health and sanity but can also negatively affect my writing. To avoid burning myself out I have… Read more »
I didn’t start writing because I wanted to make a bestseller list or sell a million copies. I started writing because it was fun. It brought joy. As a child, I delighted in telling myself stories. I loved imagining secret worlds no one else could see. I got a kick out of creating plot twists… Read more »
Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brian Leung. We’ll be talking about All I Should Not Tell, a complex family drama full of twists, turns, and mysterious disappearances. Have you signed up to be a DIY MFA Radio Insider yet? This is an exciting new monthly newsletter especially for our podcast listeners. Every month,… Read more »
I’m a huge fan of breaking things apart and taking them back to the basics because the basics provide the building blocks that allow you to go forward. Learn and master the basics and you can start to riff, creating your own spin and style. This goal of achieving creative freedom is why I want… Read more »
