Another week, another batch of informal writerly learnings!
LA Bourgeois says, imagination, engage! Then, Stephanie BwaBwa shares some marketing systems and automations to support your self-publishing career. Olivia Fisher is tapping into the hearts of kids: crafting authentic voice in middle grade. DIY MFA
Ann Marie Nieves answers your PR and marketing questions, part IX: do you twerk? Then, Jim Dempsey wonders, is your book any good? Kathleen McCleary is out of character. Kathryn Craft on story and death and life. Then, David Corbett is crafting an unforgettable villain with lessons from Louise Fletcher’s portrayal of Nurse Ratched. Writer Unboxed
How this became the sad girl era. The Take
K.M. Weiland shows you nine positive characters arcs in the Enneagram. Helping Writers Become Authors
Janice Hardy shares five fun ways to take advantage of your characters’ fears. Then, Ellen Buikema lists ten ways to start your story. Later in the week, Julie Glover discusses the hardest book she’s ever written. Writers in the Storm
Hank Quense helps you build your own digital planner with Scrintal. Elizabeth Spann Craig
Gaia, the mother of creation. Fate & Fabled | PBS Storied
Sue Coletta helps you construct the skeleton of your story. Then, Angela Ackerman says that the key to a successful NaNoWriMo is using October wisely. Later in the week, C.S. Lakin says less is more when it comes to describing setting. Writers Helping Writers
Jessica Bell points out the key elements of eye-catching book cover design. Joni B. Cole: you have a great idea for a story. Where do you start? Catherine Baab-Maguira explains why it’s better to write about money, not for money. Jane Friedman
Preptober tips! Do these ten things before NaNoWriMo. Reedsy
Nathan Bransford answers the question, “When should I stop sending query letters?”
Kristen Lamb considers motivation and how what drives us defines us.
Tiffany Yates Martin: how to speak as well as you write, part 1. Fox Print Editorial
Chris Winkle considers movement, the 2,300-year-old story principle. Then, Oren Ashkenazi analyzes five stories undermined by their epilogues. Mythcreants
Roz Morris: becoming you—how to develop confidence as a writer. Nail Your Novel
Overcoming perfectionism as a writer. Shaelin Writes
Sahar Arshad: from Never have I Ever to Bridgerton, the Desi girl era is here at last. Teen Vogue
Matthew Vogt: pantheon of superheroes. JSTOR Daily
Joyce Kinkead recounts the 5,000-year history of writer’s block. The Conversation
Jordan Pruett wonders, what counts as a bestseller? Public Books
KC Hoard conducts a roundtable with designers: book cover confidential. The Walrus
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you found something to support your current work(s) in progress, whatever stage they’re at.
Until Thursday, keep staying safe and well.
Always Looking Up 