I do my best writing organically, sitting down with a vague idea and getting to work – so the idea of intense outlining and planning is a daunting one. Faint memories of three-act structures and archaic plot graphs come to mind, but I was on the hunt for something more compelling. Fortunately for me and other writers in need, the NaNoWriMo website offers a wealth of strategies to lean back on.
Tag: writing advice
Tips from an Intern
The important thing to remember when publishing is to expect rejection but keep fighting for it. Ideally, you get into writing for a reason, a passion, a desire — don’t lose sight of that.
Routines and Writer’s Block
by Steph Wong Almost every writing teacher will say that good writers stick to strict routines and schedules, and that’s how to avoid writer’s block. In fact, in this capitalistic society, everything is very schedule-based. Sure, having a set time to write or a set word count to achieve can make you “disciplined”, but it … Continue reading Routines and Writer’s Block
Creating Space
by Jaclyn Tockstein As a senior in the Professional & Digital Writing major (with only a few weeks left until graduation), I'd like to tell a short story about the importance of creating space for the purpose of creativity. Like many of you, I went through most of my schooling believing I was perhaps a … Continue reading Creating Space
Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory: A Tool for Detail
by Renee Seledotis Ernest Hemingway’s “Iceberg Theory” states that the deeper meaning of a story should shine through implicitly. Like an iceberg, the surface of the story, what is revealed to the reader, should be barely anything compared to what lies beneath. The more the author knows about the story, the fuller and richer it … Continue reading Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory: A Tool for Detail
The Power of Journaling
by Caitlin Sinz Writing for me has always been an outlet to express myself, creatively or just getting emotions out on a page. I have been writing something since about the age of twelve. I think back then I used it to escape from my own thoughts and dive deep into a creative realm where … Continue reading The Power of Journaling
Using University Writing Centers as a Creative Writer
Many writers go to university writing centers for help with academic writing, such as essays and assignments for classes, but what about creative writing? Writing centers, like the Oakland University Writing Center (OUWC), provide an invaluable resource to writers looking to improve their ability and their papers; however, many writers may not consider that the … Continue reading Using University Writing Centers as a Creative Writer
Exploring Narrative Styles
I've read works of literature with vastly different narrative styles—from instant messaging to an old bowl with different owners. Some of the books I've read have impacted the way I write and challenged me to be more creative with narration. When first writing short stories in high school, I never wrote anything other than first-person, … Continue reading Exploring Narrative Styles
Show and Tell
When describing a character’s feelings, skillful writers do not just “tell” the reader how the character feels. They “show” by using imagery. Imagery is a language that paints vivid pictures for the reader. It often appeals to the Five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Sight: how does it look? Sound: What does the … Continue reading Show and Tell
Finding Peace With Your Grief Through Your Writing
Grief is an experience not many can understand or comprehend. It may be easy for some to overcome and for others the pain may feel unbearable. Over the past few weeks in dealing with it personally I've understood that. I know I have struggled with grief personally for years and recently with the loss of … Continue reading Finding Peace With Your Grief Through Your Writing
Oakland Arts Review 