A shiver forced Vaughn’s eyes to see reality again. He wrapped his arms tightly around himself. “I'm gonna kill Kiefer," he muttered, kicking his boot at a dark object buried halfway in the ground, which he unpleasantly discovered was a rock from the smarting in his toes. What was more interesting, though, was that the … Continue reading First Cold: A boy’s first winter on an alien planet
writing community
Not Just a Writer: Why writers must find self-worth in something other than achievements
You're a writer. Of course you are. What else could you possibly be? When it comes down to it, isn't that the part of your life that matters the most? But adopting the wrong identity is incredibly dangerous. And, despite how innocent it might seem, branding yourself first and foremost as a writer might be … Continue reading Not Just a Writer: Why writers must find self-worth in something other than achievements
A Story Without a Theme Isn’t a Story At All: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 5
Welcome to my ten-part series where we’ll be going through the basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling – a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we’ll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my guidebook is more detailed on … Continue reading A Story Without a Theme Isn’t a Story At All: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 5
Reblog: 4 Reasons Why You MUST Wait Before Moving On Your Manuscript — A Writer’s Path
Rome wasn’t built in a day, you guys, and the plans weren’t drawn up that quickly either. Note how the header to this post says that you “must” wait before making any moves on your manuscript. Noted? Awesome. Because I used “must” for a reason. I didn’t say “should” or “it’s recommended” or anything […] 4 … Continue reading Reblog: 4 Reasons Why You MUST Wait Before Moving On Your Manuscript — A Writer’s Path
How to Give Your First Draft (and Yourself) a Break
You finish your first draft. You throw a party. You know there's still a long way to go, but you're proud of what you've achieved. And so, to keep the momentum going... You rest. How tempting is it to just jump right into the editing stage? As much as I'm a proponent of taking breaks, … Continue reading How to Give Your First Draft (and Yourself) a Break
Give the Plot a Backseat: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 4
Welcome to my ten-part series where we’ll be going through the ten basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling – a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we’ll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my guidebook is more detailed … Continue reading Give the Plot a Backseat: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 4
Why Your Book Will Fail Without Good Characters: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 3
Welcome to my ten-part series where we’ll be going through the ten basics of storytelling as outlined in my guidebook The 10 Lost Elements of Storytelling – a book you can get for free by subscribing to my newsletter! In these posts, we’ll be going over the basics of these storytelling elements, but my guidebook is more detailed … Continue reading Why Your Book Will Fail Without Good Characters: Basic Storytelling Elements Part 3
Reblog: 11 Surprisingly Productive Things to Do on Your Phone by Make Your Biz Fizz
What do you do with your downtime? If you’re like me, you pick up your phone and start doom-scrolling. But what does this subconscious habit achieve? Nothing, right? It certainly doesn’t add value to your life. Rather, it wastes time and becomes a mindless activity we engage in when bored. [...] 11 Surprisingly Productive Things … Continue reading Reblog: 11 Surprisingly Productive Things to Do on Your Phone by Make Your Biz Fizz
Atonement’s End: A fantasy character study
Tsarra wondered when home had become the last place she wanted to be. That same old door that had greeted her with a welcoming creak since before she could hold a javelin was now an untrustworthy friend that would proclaim her failings to the whole house as soon as she stepped inside. Hours ago, she … Continue reading Atonement’s End: A fantasy character study
Review: Escape from the Fringe by R. Collins
Rating: 3/5 stars - worth reading As a young girl growing up on the edge of the galaxy in Station 222, Dai thought her entire life was decided for her. One day, her familiar world is turned upside down in an instant when a group of space pirates called the Jackals attack her beloved home, … Continue reading Review: Escape from the Fringe by R. Collins
The Story Canvas 