Writer's Fun Zone by Beth Barany
Here’s where we talk about plotters and pantsers. If you don’t know the definitions – a plotter is a writer who outlines their book before beginning to write it while a pantser writes from “the seat of their pants” with no outline. Kind of like writing from the stream of consciousness. I don’t think a survey has been taken but from what I’ve seen, most writers are plotters. Yet there are many famous pantsers too.
Did you see that blur? Were you able to make out the bits of green of Spring 2015? Or the shimmery waves of heat of Summer 2015? Did you miss the burnished coppers of the impending Fall 2015? I sure did. As a matter of fact, when I bothered to poke my head up lately, do you know what was staring back at me?
Novelist, it’s about that time now… Your book is done, or you’re thinking about marketing yourself as an author, even though your book isn’t done yet. How do you talk about yourself? You just...
In today’s publishing market, deciding whether or not you need or want an agent can be a challenging decision to make. With self-publishing keeping all of the control in the author’s hands and smaller digital-only presses accepting submissions directly from the author, it can sometimes seem like an unnecessary step. Depending on your career goals, it may be. However, if you choose to follow the traditional publishing route, a good agent can be your biggest ally.
How’s the fall writing coming along? With a chill in the air you might be inspired to try something new or revamp past ways of working. Did you ever consider stepping outside your chosen genre as a way to refresh yourself creatively? I was offered the opportunity to do just that recently and I learned a lot and enjoyed it very much!
I had the privilege of leading a workshop for a group of writers last weekend. My theme was ‘The Writer’s Voice’. Not so much finding your voice, important as that is, more so having the confidence to let your voice be heard.
I work with an engineer on the show – someone devoted to reality as much as he’s devoted to fantasy. Interestingly my son is a Geo-Physicist and is equally passionate about fantasy and science fiction. Which should be a lesson to writers: even brilliant people read to be transported to far away lands. Remember that you are writing for brilliant readers, some even more brilliant than you.
As Halloween nears, I consider the origins of the holiday. Many scholars believe the idea of wearing masks originated in the fear of lost souls roaming the earth this time of year, when the veil between living and dead thins and the world grows darker. The masks allowed revelers to imitate or hide from their fearful foes.
Because some of you asked I wanted to let you know that Kitty is doing a little better. She’s on meds and is a little bit more energetic. Hopefully at the end of the...
When you’re feeling low, depressed, or blue, it’s hard to write. I know. I’ve been there. Triggered by a lecture Michael Hauge gave at the RWA conference this year (2015) on “Identity and Essence,” I...
Today join us live Monday 9/28/2015 12noon Pacific by clicking here: https://blab.im/beth-barany-askawritingcoach-chat-ask-questions-for-novelists SCHEDULE & FAQ or scroll below to learn more… Join Us for this live daily chat on Blab.im! On #askaWritingCoach for...
Learning how to learn and how to think are two keys tools writers need. I received these key words in eighth grade from Mrs. Maffei at Saint Francis Catholic School in Sonoma. (Yes, a...
Recently in a training session with clients in our group coaching program I shared one of the most essential character development tips, that of knowing your character’s deep why. I’ll be sharing more in...
I’ve made a series of YouTube on the inspiration and motivation to write that comes when we walk or do exercise. You can check out the entire YouTube series — 17 short videos —...
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