I’ve been a classic film fan all my life. I’ve always loved backstage or meta stories, and the ultra-meta-aspect of writers writing about writers. In movies, there are few scenes that show writers writing, for the simple fact that watching someone write for 90 minutes isn’t entertainment. The focus is generally on how life influences… Read more »
Setting the Scene I write horror and dark sci-fi. My friend is a writer and an actor with a YouTube channel of short videos she’s made on her own. Last fall we partnered up to make a short film for a local Halloween film contest. I had a ghost story I’d been working on that… Read more »
Here at DIY MFA, we are passionate about literacy, learning, and helping writers hone their skills. It’s our jam, our laser-focus; it is the air we breathe. As many of you know, I am not only a columnist, but I also work for DIY MFA as the Community Welcome Dragon. I handle many of the… Read more »
I’m a stickler for detail, as all writers should be. When I read about an event, a film, a song, or a place I’m familiar with, I’ll do a quick internet search to see if the writer has done their homework. When I find an error, it makes me question the reliability of the author,… Read more »
“Papa, come back! Please!” I was sixteen, on my way to raid the refrigerator yet again, when I heard my grandmother crying out from our living room. Hunger temporarily extinguished, I peeked around the corner to find Nana, as we called her, sitting on the edge of the sofa. “Why did you leave us, Papa?”… Read more »
What is the difference between good novels and great novels? Great novels explore a literary theme that leaves a huge impact on the readers’ mind. These novels explore human nature, universal emotions, and the desires within each of us. The literary themes are what can leave your readers with a sense of wonder and pull… Read more »
Welcome back to It’s Messy in The Middle, where we reflect on ways to craft complex characters and build dynamic worlds that will connect with readers from underrepresented identity groups. So far, we have established the importance of answering the call for diverse and inclusive writing by focusing on specific, honest, and intentional representations of… Read more »
Hello beautiful people of the Internet! Welcome back to Worldly Wise, where we’re going to take the reins of your speculative fiction story and see it to the finish line together. Last time, we figured out what we should absolutely not include in the first chapter. Now that the first chapter is out of the… Read more »
Ingredients 1 sparkly new writing project 1 outline that has been edited and re-edited at least 4 times 1,667 daily word count 1 journal filled with novel-related notes 1 pen case filled with favorite markers, pens, and other writing implements 3 different types of word-processing software 4 cups of caffeinated beverage of choice 1 bowl… Read more »
Hullo, word nerds! The festivities have begun! Holiday season is upon us, and Black Friday is only a week away. If you’re anything like me, I’m willing to bet that you’re comfortably avoiding those herds of shoppers who hath ventured forth into the bleak midwinter’s darkness, determined to get deals. Still, just because you’re not… Read more »
