What is the core value of your character? Is he loyal to a fault? Does she only care about what will get her the throne? Does he care more for friendship than money? Does she thirst for power over love? Once you know the answers to these questions about your character, ask yourself - or them - what would make him or her betray that value? What would make him betray his king? What would make her give up the throne? What amount of money might make him even consider breaking a friendship? What kind…

Before you ever get to this part, really look at what you write. What is the overlapping theme amongst your stories? What hides at the core of each story? What appears in each story? Animals are common in my stories. Family, too. I like to throw in a dash of magic and wonder because everyday life feels full of those to me. What about you? You don't have to know the answer now. Just make notes and allow the unexpected (or maybe sort of expected?) to greet you. When you start publishing, or even a…

I came across this picture while contemplating what Writing Tip to share this time. Here are some questions I asked myself when I saw it: Where is she from? Why is she wearing so much gold paint and tattoos? Are they permanent tattoos or temporary? Why is she wearing such an ornate necklace? Is she wearing earrings? And on the list went. Are you inspired by pictures? Is what someone is wearing important to a story? Yes, to both for me. But what about you? Did you know clothes can reveal time era…

A young writer I am working with is writing a historical fiction short story about a family surviving a flood in the early 1900s. Working with her reminds me of an important lesson one of my mentors worked hard to get across to me. Envision the scene. What do you see? Now, what does your character see?

I'll apply this to the picture. I see dried roses and open books spread out on a surface, perhaps a bed or a desk. There is a mirror ...