Today, we have words of wisdom on the value of, and how to insert, subplots into your stories, from Sue McGinty, acclaimed author of the Bella Kowalski mystery series. Her Q&A format leaves no stone overturned when it comes to … Continue reading
Here’s an opening that’s sure to lead into some very interesting places. Let your imagination go wild as you set your timer for 10 minutes and begin to write. Don’t stop; keep that pen (or fingers) moving. And send me … Continue reading
Here’s an interesting picture I took one day up in San Francisco. It set my mind spinning. What can your imagination make of it? What exactly is it and what does it do? Set that timer for 10 minutes and … Continue reading
Here’s an intriguing little start for a story. Give yourself 10 minutes and see where your imagination takes it. And as always, send your story to me for the contest, and I’ll post the top three contenders on Monday. Send … Continue reading
Something a little different this week, a prompt from a photograph. Who knows what it is? Only the photographer and writers with vivid imaginations. What do you see in this picture? Where does it take your story? Be sure to … Continue reading
We’ve all felt misunderstood at times. What a struggle it was to try to make others see us, see who we are, and understand how we think. The same goes for our characters. Not everyone will get along, not everyone … Continue reading
An unexpected event can throw our character for a loop. Sometimes it can even trigger a subplot in a story. Given the time of year, there’s a lot of emotion that can come out of the unexpected. Here’s an unexpected … Continue reading
I’m always amazed at what different writers do with the same opening line. Here’s an opening to a flash-fiction piece I wrote in one of my classes. My story has an eerie quality about it. What will you do with … Continue reading
We’ve all had this happen to us… or seem to happen. In the dead of night, when the shadows hover close, when we don’t know who is there, or what will happen… set your timer for 15 minutes and begin … Continue reading