Writing Tips and Tools Archives

Why Writing Lessons and Workshops Aren’t Enough

November 7, 2013
Student Contributor
Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
0 Comments

Kyle de Waal, Guest Contributor Kyle de Waal gave a speech during the 2013 Summer Workshop, challenging the members of the extended One Year Adventure Novel community to put their gifts and training to use. It was so provoking we asked him for a written version we could post here for those of you who didn’t get to hear it (and everyone who needs reminding again!).

Why Young Writers Need Community

October 31, 2013
Student Contributor
Giving and Receiving Critique, Homeschooling, Parenting a Young Writer, Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
5 Comments

Jeff Miller, Guest Contributor We asked J. Mark Miller, dad to an "OYANer" (a One Year Adventure Novel student) who is also a fantasy-writer himself, to share some reflections for other writers and their parents.

Why Word Games Trump Daydreams

October 16, 2013
Staff Writer
Push Your Imagination, Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
4 Comments

Tineke Bryson, Staff Writer I daydreamed ferociously when I was a kid. Nothing pleased me so much as slipping away from people and situations to hunt fancies in my head. And why curb my imagination? Wasn’t daydreaming my source of creative ingenuity? I trusted to imagination to achieve my dream of becoming a writer, or, as I put it then, a “poetess.” Ha.

How to Respond to Critique When it Hurts

October 3, 2013
Staff Writer
Giving and Receiving Critique, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
11 Comments

Rachel Garner, Staff Writer Writers, when you get a critique document or someone tells you, "Hey, I read your novel—" I can be almost certain of some of your reactions: your heartbeat quickens, your stomach knots, and you think why-oh-why did I ever want to be a writer?

Stardate 2.9.2012 – Why Starting a Writer’s Log Is a Good Idea

March 2, 2012
Daniel Schwabauer
Culture, Daniel's Writing Log, Stuck? Discouraged?, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tools
5 Comments

Daniel Schwabauer I loved Star Trek as a kid. Not the one with Captain Picard. The one with Captain Kirk. Yes, I am that old. The show taught me two things.