Confession: I think theme is the hardest thing to define when writing a story. Often I don’t know the true story theme until I’m well into revision. What’s that you say? How can I write a novel without knowing what I’m writing about? Great question. Starting With Character Honestly, I think all great stories are… Read more »
Janet Fox
Theme, or More To the Point
Dystopia or Utopia?
Today in the news: I heard an interesting report about a gene editing technique that has allowed scientists to alter retinal cells in nearly blind volunteers, with the hope that those altered cells will reverse the genetically induced blindness. Like you are probably thinking now, I thought, wow. Cool. A little freaky, but cool. A… Read more »
A Paper Folding Project For Everyone
In my upcoming novel Carry Me Home (August 24, Simon & Schuster) my main character, Lulu, and her sister Serena and their dad live in a car. When dad disappears Lulu feels the pressure of taking care of herself and Serena, while keeping their predicament hidden. Lulu wants her dad to return, and she wants… Read more »
Guest Post: K. MacCabe on John Scalzi’s HEAD ON
When my son (pen name K. MacCabe) was very young, Star Trek, Next Generation was in syndication and playing every night right at dinner prep time. That one-hour show became his thing, and I had the peace and quiet to get ready for the evening. Little did I know that by doing so I was… Read more »
Writing Craft: Saving That Darn Cat
The other night I watched a movie I would never have watched, generally speaking. It was the original Fast and Furious. I’m not into cars, or gangs, or racing, or…any of that stuff. But I am into story-telling, and I was curious as to why this movie has spawned a franchise that has lasted even… Read more »
The 1 Superpower All Writers Possess: Authenticity
I’ve been seeing the word “authenticity” everywhere lately. In webinars geared to writers, in blog posts geared to entrepreneurs, in ads for almost anything. (“Try our authentic Mexican food!”) We seem to be craving authenticity. This isn’t surprising, really, after several years in which rumors, falsehoods, and crazy conspiracy theories dominated the airwaves, and we… Read more »
5 More Favorite Writing Craft Books – The Classics
Last post I featured 5 favorite writing craft books, some old and some quite new. Today I have a pile of classics. Once again, you can order from my Bookshop store through my affiliate link (I do benefit from orders through this link). Here are five of the best: Story, by Robert McKee. Why I… Read more »
5 of My Favorite Writing Craft Books
I have an addiction…to writing craft books. In my bookcase two entire shelves are devoted to them, easily 15% of my entire fiction/nonfiction library. I find a new one or two every year, and believe me I learn something from each. Some of my old favorites have gone out of print, sadly, but most are… Read more »
Final Hot Tip: The Bad Guy (Antagonist) Thinks He’s Good
We’ve reached the end of my short hot writing tips for cold nights (even though those cold nights are still with us, here in Montana at any rate). Today I want to present a final hot writing tip – about the antagonist. Opposites Attract Protagonists in stories need counterbalancing. They need opposing forces, obstacles, difficulties…. Read more »
Even More Hot Writing Tips: Plot Devices
Plot. It can drive you crazy, especially if you’re a new writer. How many different ways are there to represent plot? Are there plot devices you can lean on every time? Do you Save The Cat? Or do you take The Hero’s Journey? Do you Write From the Middle? Or do you listen to The… Read more »