Blog
Story Abounds
I’m thrilled to have a new post up on Writer Unboxed: What is a Natural Storyteller? The answer is . . . your very own brain. Check out the four ways to pick your brain for storytelling tips. And, for more on how to harness your brain’s natural storytelling ability when it comes to writing a story, I’ve recently done a two hour video tutorial for the amazing tech website, Lynda.com. It’s called “Writing Fundamentals: The Craft of Story.” Click … More
WIRED FOR STORY Sighted in the Wild!
This is from the Barnes & Noble at Union Square in New York City. Wow. I’m plotzing!
Write to Done: 7 Ways to Use Brain Science to Hook and Hold Readers
One thing, and one thing only, hooks readers: curiosity. The brain is hardwired to be far more interested in what happens next, than in the gorgeous language you use to convey it. Today I have the great honor of explaining why, and then offering 7 ways you can use brain science to hook readers and reel them in on the insanely informative, curiosity inducing site, Write to Done. Should this pique your curiosity, click here to read more.
I’m Thrilled to Become a Contributor at Writer Unboxed, YES!
Writing can be a lonely profession, because mostly we do it alone at our desks, lost in a world that no one else can see yet. Of course, that has its perks. We get to work in our PJs and if we have a bad hair day, who’d know? But truth is, there’s nothing more exhilarating than being in a room full of writers, talking about story — either for real or digitally (my hair looks great! no, really). That’s … More
My Grammar Girl Guest Post: The Rules of Story
When it comes to story, your brain has a set of hard and fast rules that it’s pickier about than your third grade teacher was about turning in your homework on time. What’s more, your brain operates on the same principle that our legal system does: Ignorance of the law is no excuse. With that in mind, want a handy reference guide to some of the brain’s hardwired expectations for every story it reads, hears or watches? Then check out … More
Men With Pens . . . Or Are They?
Today I have the privilege of guest blogging about the seductive power of story on one of the most innovative, savvy and engaging writing sites on the web – Men With Pens. And you know what? There’s something very intriguing about the site that you wouldn’t know at first blush. Something that the brilliant person who runs it, James Chartrand, wanted to a keep secret. Which brings us to one of my favorite topics: neuroscience. One of the most thrilling … More
Fifty Shades of Story vs. “Well Written”
There are two things that everyone is saying about Fifty Shades of Gray: It is not well written. You can’t put it down. To recap for anyone who’s just waking up from a refreshing six month nap: Fifty Shades of Gray by E.L. James, along with its sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed, has topped bestseller lists around the world for months. The trilogy has sold well over 20 million copies, and is the fastest selling paperback series … More
Wired for Story: Thank YOU!
I am overwhelmed at the reception that Wired for Story has gotten, it’s exceeded my wildest dreams. Yesterday it made it all the way to #77 on Amazon, and for a couple of hours it was number one on their Movers and Shakers list. I actually took a screenshot of it, just to be sure I wasn’t asleep. I half expected the alarm clock to go off and I’d wake up thinking, So that’s what lucid dreaming is all about, … More
Writers: the Most Motivated People on the Planet
I know a lot of teachers, instructors, professors. When they talk about motivating their students, it always catches me off guard. My first thought is, Why would you need to motivate them? Followed by, You mean sometimes they aren’t completely dedicated to mastering the subject and so make their mark on the world? And then I realize they’re not working with writers. Who are the most motivated, determined, dedicated group on the planet. My last thought is, Boy am I … More
Today WIRED FOR STORY is Published!
I’m so thrilled that I can hardly stand it. I know Anne Lamott says the feeling of being published isn’t quite what it’s cracked up to be. I beg to differ. It’s worth the wait. It’s worth the work. It’s worth the (okay, yes, sometimes incessant) doubts that dog the steps of any writer worth their salt. To all you writers out there, hang in there. Don’t give up, ever. (But do take naps.) Learn to tell stories. We’ll listen. … More
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“I’m willing to show good taste, if I can, in somebody else’s living room, but our reading life is too short for a writer to be in any way polite. Since his words enter into another’s brain in silence and intimacy, he should be as honest and explicit as we are with ourselves.” – John Updike
- Jennie Nash: The Making Of A Novel
- Nathan Bransford
- Laurie Abkemeier
- Pub Rants
- Ask Allison Winn
- The Rejecter
- Miss Snark, Gone But Not Forgotten!
- Rachelle Gardner: Rants and Ramblings
- Writer Unboxed
- Meg Cabot
- Caroline Leavitt
- Slushpile
- Karin Gutman: Spirit of Story
- Blog of a Bookslut
- Balls, Buzz & Hype
- Terrible Minds: Irreverent to the Max
