This week promises to be a hot, humid one up here in northeastern Ontario. Stay cool. Stay well. And use some of your downtime productively perusing these informal writerly learnings.
Barbara Linn Probst takes a closer look at a place to write. Then, Jim Dempsey considers the right decisions to write. Kathryn Craft is seeing through a character’s eyes, literally. The Desmond Hall drops some writerly wisdom on us: lessons from The New Actors Workshop. Writer Unboxed
Sexy schoolgirl scale mail: an armour tier list. Jill Bearup
K.M. Weiland is clearing up some misconceptions about in medias res. Helping Writers Become Authors
Lisa Norman explains how to succeed as an author. Eldred Bird: it’s a mystery to me. Then, Jenny Hansen wonders, are writers born, or made? Writers in the Storm
Sue Coletta presents a back cover copy formula. Writers Helping Writers
The seven elements of a strong story. Reedsy
Your world building can captivate readers and never let them go. Kristen Lamb
Nathan Bransford: what happens on and off the page in your novel?
Lauren J. Sharkey says writing is about connecting. Adam Burgess considers Magic’s Pawn a classic LGBTQ+ high fantasy. Then, Lori Walker interviews Natalka Burian about flashbacks, time travel, and multiple mysteries. Later in the week, Lee Bukowski shares five tips for writing about sensitive subjects. DIY MFA
The Handmaid’s Tale—what’s come true and what hasn’t. The Take
The eastern/western genre: stories of subjugation and freedom. Story Grid
Sharon Oard Warner: the building blocks of scene. Jane Friedman
Tiffany Yates Martin goes beyond character goal and motivation—the longing and the lack. Fox Print Editorial
Chris Winkle shows how you can tell Kamala Kahn has ADHD. Then, Oren Ashkenazi analyzes five stories with clashing choices. Mythcreants
Writing 2nd person—the forgotten POV. Shaelin Writes
Brahmjot Kaur explains how Ms. Marvel went from “woke” and “cringe” to the franchise’s highest-rated. NBC News
Emily Zarevich tells the tale of Michael Field: one name, two (women) authors. JSTOR Daily
Nicole Chung interviews Pia Owens about negotiation tips for writers and creatives. The Atlantic
Writing advice from Rachel Yoder: take a break, hug a tree. Literary Hub
Thank you for spending some of your valuable time with me. I hope you found something to support your current work in process.
Until Thursday, be well and stay (cool and) safe!
Always Looking Up 