I often find randomness to be a great creativity boost. Just what would a Chase story have in common with Making amends? I don't know, so you'll have to tell me.
Killer Dreams?
As adults, I think most people discount dreams. We don't pay attention to them, don't put any significance in them, and don't bother remembering them. I've always been glad that I have never had that tendency. I dream often, vividly, in color, and I remember my dreams. Today it paid off. I dreamed up a … Continue reading Killer Dreams?
When writing isn’t easy
I find my muse in the closet, behind the spot where the cat hides in storms, behind heavy coats, in the darkest safest place. She looks up at me above tear-streaked cheeks, with more moisture rolling down rosy tender curves. I'm not working at that office today. I can spend some time with you. Are … Continue reading When writing isn’t easy
Publishing Comparisons (POD vs POD)
(Updated because I can't believe I didn't include Scribd!) (Updated again for some interesting International info for non-US folks trying to publish on Amazon!) I had my mouse cursor hovering over the Upload button at lulu.com, but I am truly thankful that I took more time to research the POD / self publishing / vanity … Continue reading Publishing Comparisons (POD vs POD)
Where do you find characters?
I've taken a nearly 30-day hiatus from this blog while I got heavily involved in this writing project. I don't always multitask well, so I felt it was better to streamline the number of pots I was putting my fingers into in any given day.I even abandoned Twitter for the duration, which was actually kind … Continue reading Where do you find characters?
Steal this plot!!
Thanks for bearing with me while I've been on a non-voluntary hiatus. Now, back to work!It's pretty easy to get the "plot" confused with what your characters are trying to do, and where they should be going by the time they meet what's-his-nose in chapter 5. It helps sometimes to think about plot at a … Continue reading Steal this plot!!
On Creativity
I've been exploring the video presentations on ted.com, and ran across this presentation from Amy Tan on creativity, where it comes from for her, and where it hides and can be found. I found it helpful, and I hope you do as well.there is also this presentation from Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creative genius - … Continue reading On Creativity
Character motivation drives plot!
There is a tremendous difference between having a character walk through a set of plot elements, and letting that same character crash cleanly through them because he/she is properly motivated.I was reading a younger writer's efforts last year, and this extreme example has stayed with me: The main hero was standing in the middle of … Continue reading Character motivation drives plot!
Building stronger story themes
Strong stories are built on strong thematic elements, or combinations of many strong elements. Otherwise, it's not a strong story - just a nice character study that moves around a bit with some pretty scenery. Right? So it stands to reason that if we can dissect a strong story we can find those elements and … Continue reading Building stronger story themes
Creativity Coach
Here are the initial guidelines for how my coaching service (Literary Nudger?) is going to work. I am not monetizing this effort. I am not selling a service, nor am I pitching a "How to" book (nor do I plan to write one). Im just trying to pay it forward a little.I am not trying … Continue reading Creativity Coach
T J Pontz 