writing

The Nuance of a Story

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ow.ly] I’ve been enjoying exploring the nuances of story telling, ideas that build on fundamental concepts such as story structure, word and punctuation usage, and writing discipline. Over at Tribal Writer, novelist Justine Musk has offers two great posts (among many, really) on microtension and theme. Both posts underscored my goal for …

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You and Rube Goldberg

Take some time, watch this and marvel. (Stolen from Bronx Banter): [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/qybUFnY7Y8w&hl=en_US&fs=1&] [tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ow.ly] Now, take time to marvel at your WIP or whatever noble task at which you’ve been toiling (Parenting is a good one). You’ve put effort into the details, arranged things just so, and hopefully, when all is said and …

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The Coming Around of a Sensible Word

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBmqfM74sIY] And it’s slow, so slow the idea, The coming around of a sensible word. It hovers and shakes like a hummingbird wing At the end of a long hot year. Kelly Joe Phelps – Tight to the Jar Mr. Phelps very well captures the essence of writing in the bridge from Tight to the Jar. …

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Writing Library

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ow.ly] I cannot read enough about the craft of writing. I love it especially when the author offers insight to how he or she does what they do. That doesn’t mean I want to copy it, but there may be something in there that I haven’t yet considered. It’s like digging around …

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Writing Reverie

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ow.ly] rev·er·ie \ˈre-və-rē, ˈrev-rē\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural rev·er·ies Etymology: French rêverie, from Middle French, delirium, from resver, rever to wander, be delirious Date: 1654 1 : daydream 2 : the condition of being lost in thought Did you ever notice that some of your best ideas show up unannounced? You …

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Writing the Right Ending

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=ow.ly] I’ve been cruising towards the finale of my second draft of Shadow of the Black City. Threads are coming together. The characters are poised to make decisions that cannot be undone. It’s just that I’m not exactly sure how it all goes down. I have the big idea, just not the …

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Books on Writing

My lovely wife and I have come to an agreement: She gets to spend $50 on art supplies and I get to spend $50 on whatever floats my boat. I’ve chosen books. More specifically, I intend to expand my writing library. Jeff VanderMeer posts his list of favorite books on writing at Booklifenow.com. Go check …

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Word Count Jekyll and Hyde

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=bit.ly] Word count is like Dr. Jekyll most days, going about its business, measuring my writing progress. A mild-mannered fellow, the Count seems to be the preferred choice for many, if not most writers. He watches over me as I strive for 2,000 words a day. Most days, Word Count is my …

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Have a Laugh on Me

[tweetmeme source=”jjdanz” only_single=false service=bit.ly] I’m too busy pushing toward the grand finale of my second draft of Shadow of the Black City. No time to post clever semi-original thoughts. In my stead, enjoy a couple videos far more entertaining and clever than my own. How the Beaufort Scale was developed (via the good people over …

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