How to Make Sense of Verb Tense

Last week we talked about Point of View and one reader raised a fascinating point in the comments about the narrative distance between first and third person.  As I thought about this point, I realized that verb tense also affects the narrative distance, hence this post about verb tense and how that affects the viewpoint… Read more »

The Last Point of View Cheat Sheet You’ll Ever Need

When starting a new project, one of the big decisions you have to make is which point of view (POV) you’re going to use.  Go here to download a Point of View Cheat Sheet to help you choose the point of view that’s right for your story. Before I give you a rundown of the different types… Read more »

ABCs of Plot

The ABCs of plot is a technique I learned from one of my mentors and it’s very powerful for helping writers map out the plot of their stories.  I’ve since borrowed parts of the method, added some of my own flare and have used it in many of the workshops I teach.  You can use… Read more »

Taking Stock: Where Have You Been?

Every so often, it’s important to pause for a moment and take stock of where you’ve been and where you’re going.  I like to do this around holiday time, particularly around Thanksgiving, because it reminds me of all the things I have to be thankful for… things I’ve overcome in my writing journey as well… Read more »

Short Brainstorming Session

This week week we talked about ways to kick-start our writing and how to get out of a writing slump.  Now, over the weekend, I encourage you to put some of these ideas into action.  Namely, I’d like you to do a short brainstorming session. Weekend Prompt: Go somewhere “out” where you can work without… Read more »

The DIY MFA Brainstorming Process

Brainstorming. People toss this term around but how many actually know what it means? To most, brainstorming means being creative and coming up with lots of ideas really fast, but there’s more to it than that. There is a method to the madness. The DIY MFA brainstorming process boils down to three steps: Step 1:… Read more »

Fill the Tank

Writing can be hard sometimes, especially when our creative tank has run dry and we’re relying on fumes to reach our destination.  The solution? Fill the tank. When it comes to creativity, one of the best ways to fill the tank is to have a little fun.  Julia Cameron of The Artist’s Way fame, advocates… Read more »

Writer’s Toolbox

Last week we started talking about creativity and ways to boost that part of your brain.  This week, we’ll continue that conversation, focusing especially on ways to get over that writing hump.  You know what I’m talking about.  One minute you’re zipping along down the fast lane and then WHAM! You hit a speed bump… Read more »

Idea Tank

The DIY MFA newsletter, Writer Fuel, can help power your ideas and the new workbook Jumper Cables (available to everyone who joins the DIY MFA mailing list) can help you jump-start your writing.  But sometimes you need a place to store your ideas and stockpile inspiration to use when the fuel runs dry. That’s where… Read more »