http://ryanlanz.com/2023/06/13/6-unique-ways-to-think-up-story-ideas/ I've said it before and I'll say it again: the number one thing I get asked as a writer is how I come up with my ideas. Idea generation isn't the same for everyone—that's why I love how this post gives several different options for coming up with and exploring new ideas. These methods … Continue reading Reblog: 6 Unique Ways to Think Up Story Ideas by A Writer’s Path
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An Overview of the Editing Process
Based on some of your comments and conversations I've had with people lately, I want to write more posts about self-publishing. I know there are a lot of self-published writers who read this blog and I want to bring you more specific content. So today, let's talk about editing. This isn't the first time I've … Continue reading An Overview of the Editing Process
5 Signs Your Story Might Be Contrived (And How to Fix It!)
Have you ever felt like the story you're writing just isn't flowing naturally? Maybe you're unsure about some dialogue or a part of the plot. Whatever it is, when you begin to wonder, "Is my story contrived?" you know you're in trouble! The last thing any writer wants to do is put out a cheap, … Continue reading 5 Signs Your Story Might Be Contrived (And How to Fix It!)
Breathing Life into Classic Tales: A Guide to Adaptation
I've always loved fairytales; that's what happens when you grow up watching (and rewatching, and rewatching, and rewatching...) Disney classics. I was writing stories as soon as I learned how to hold a (sparkly pink glitter) pen, but surprisingly, fairytales didn't influence my writing much until my dad gifted me a massive book of fairytales … Continue reading Breathing Life into Classic Tales: A Guide to Adaptation
Emotional Writing 101: How to Connect with Readers on a Deeper Level
Writing isn't intuitive. Sure, I think that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, but even the best of writers don't know it all. We all need to learn, and one of the most foundational concepts of writing that we will be practising for the rest of our lives is writing with emotion. It sounds … Continue reading Emotional Writing 101: How to Connect with Readers on a Deeper Level
Instantly Up Your Writing Game with These 5 Small Things
Look, no matter what anyone says, writing is hard. There are so many things to think of, it takes tons of practice to get it right, and even when you know everything there is to know about writing, there’s still more to learn. Because yes, even in this age of “anything goes,” I believe there’s … Continue reading Instantly Up Your Writing Game with These 5 Small Things
“Is it okay to like bad stories?”
As someone who pushes relentlessly for better storytelling in the world, this is a question I get asked quite often. Sometimes, people ask it as a trick question—if I say yes, then they ask why good storytelling is so important. If I were to say no, they would inevitably find out that there are "bad" … Continue reading “Is it okay to like bad stories?”
How Not to Write a First Draft
When it comes to writing first drafts, there's ultimately no right or wrong way to do it as long as you have a finished draft at the end of it. I believe that because we're all different, we all have different ways of achieving our writing goals. That being said, we can adopt some bad … Continue reading How Not to Write a First Draft
Reblog: How to Work With Beta Readers by A Writer’s Path
There is no one secret to producing a good book. Hard work, patience, more hard work, dogged determination, and did I mention hard work? Yet it is so worth it. And, the more I write, the more I value one particular asset every writer should have. Beta readers! Beta readers are wonderful. Sometimes they are […] … Continue reading Reblog: How to Work With Beta Readers by A Writer’s Path
Why You Need to Know the Purpose of Your Book
In every non-fiction writing course you will ever take, one of the first things your instructor will ask you about is your "why." In other words: what's your purpose for writing this book? They say it's the first step in writing and marketing a successful book. But here's my question: why aren't fiction writers asked … Continue reading Why You Need to Know the Purpose of Your Book
The Story Canvas 