It’s the last instalment of informal writerly learnings of 2017! Not to worry, I’m not stopping the writerly goodness any time soon 😉
Jane Friedman hosts Peter Selgin on her blog: the deadliest first page sin, plus a critique of two novel openings.
Vaughn Roycroft presents the pantsing leftoverture. Writer Unboxed
Dave King: surprise! Writer Unboxed
Kathleen McCleary: what to give yourself this year. Writer Unboxed
Joanna Penn interviews Douglas Smith about writing short fiction for The Creative Penn podcast.
Emily Wenstrom recommends three types of social media posts you should be using. DIY MFA
Stacy B. Woodson shares seven lessons she learned from Lisa Gardner at Crime Bake. DIY MFA
Gabriela Pereira interviews Ada Palmer about writing speculative fiction for DIY MFA radio.
Gabriela Pereira: creativity is craft and it belongs to everyone. TEDxWilmingtonWomen
My latest contribution to DIY MFA: five reasons to book a writing cruise.
Jennie Nash stops by the Writers Helping Writers coaching corner: creating the perfect elevator pitch.
Jamie Raintree offers five ways to use the holiday season to benefit your writing career. Writers in the Storm
Jami Gold explains how to create scene endings that hook readers.
Jenna Moreci: common world building mistakes.
Chris Winkle lists five reasons your story is transphobic (and what to do about it). Mythcreants
As she turns 90, suspense still thrills Mary Higgins Clark. Lynn Neary for NPR.
Alison Flood: “Cat Person” author’s debut novel sparks flurry of international publishing deals. The Guardian
A.N. Devers: this is how a woman is erased from her job. Longreads
Michelle Dean: what makes someone a predator? The New York Times
Victoria Schwab: in praise of strange books. NPR
Ava DuVernay decided to direct A Wrinkle in Time so she could create new worlds. Evan Narcisse for i09.
Minute Physics: time travel in fiction rundown.
I hope your holiday celebrations were filled with joy, family, and friends.
Be well until Thursday!