In the postcript of the audiobook version of Ender’s Game, Orson Scott Card shared the two reasons anyone decides to become a writer. You read something amazing and say, “Oh, wow, I want to be able to write like that.” You read something awful and say, “If that got published, then I can write.” The…
On Writing
A collection of lessons, tools, and techniques on writing.
What Made Bridge to Terabithia a Success?
I just finished reading Bridge to Terabithia. Someone had left a copy of it in our Little Free Library and it was on my list of children’s books to read and research as a writer. I got the audiobook version on Overdrive and listened to the book while doing chores around the house. At the…
7 Lessons for Writers from Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
On a five mile run last week, I listened to the entire book (1.75 speed on the Overdrive app), Make Your Bed, by Admiral William H. McRaven. As a writer, here are seven lessons I learned while listening to the book: 1. Make your bed literally and figuratively. Make your bed in the morning. It…
Neil Gaiman’s Idea and Development of American Gods
I finished reading American Gods this week. It is such a complex novel with so many characters and short stories scattered throughout the book. It’s well-written and, I think, clearly shows the unique writing style of Neil Gaiman. I’m left with the thought that I could never write something so unique and creative like this….
Robert Heinlein’s Five Rules for Writing
1. You must write. 2. You must finish what you write. 3. You must refrain from rewriting except to editorial order. 4. You must put it on the market. 5. You must keep it on the market until it is sold. Robert Heinlein, in Of Worlds Beyond: The Science of Science Fiction Writing Robert Heinlein is one…
