Do questions help you move through the writing process? Whether brainstorming, writing, revising, or editing, I think questions are an important part of the sequence. That said, here are a few questions and answers that might aid your journey.
Are you "Avoiding the Vague Swamp"? C. S. Lakin illustrates ways to use a smart balance of specific and descriptive words to better engage readers in this post at Live Write Thrive.
Looking for ways to add variety to your blog posts? Carol Tice's My 23 Best Types of Blog Posts That Grab Attention offers great ideas that can help refresh and infuse variety.
Need advice on obtaining better freelance work? Check out this post at Pen and Prosper. Jennifer Brown Banks highlights pitfalls and solutions in 5 Things You Must Know to Get Better Clients and Get Paid!
Did you know that you don't need to register your writing with the U.S. Copyright office? According to a recent article on the Guide to Literary Agents blog, "Your work is copyrighted the moment it hits a tangible medium..." Learn more about copyright guidelines in Chuck Sambuchino's article, 6 Questions Writers Ask About Copyright and the Law.
Congratulations to Cecelia Lester, the winner of last week's book giveaway! Thanks to everyone who stopped by. :)
Are you inquisitive? What questions do you ask during the process?
Happy writing,
Karen
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
Thanks for all the great links. Yes, I think having questions when we write can take the story in different directions.
ReplyDeleteCS has such great tips!
ReplyDeleteIf I add any more variety to my blog, it will explode.
Great links! I might just check some out now! :)) Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteVery much liked the link on the Vague Swamp! I guess 'much' and 'guess' are also vague. I often ask myself if I have included all 5 senses in the descriptive scenes.
ReplyDeleteNatalie,,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Yes, I agree, questions can be such a big help! :)
Alex,
She sure does! LOL - yes, you do have a lot of variety on your blog! :)
Terri,
Thank you! Hope some are helpful. :) Happy Monday to you too!
Lynn,
Isn't that good? It helps weed out extras for me. I like the 5 senses thing, it's a good guideline.
Happy writing,
Karen
Hey there,
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning my post @ Pen and Prosper, Karen. My question during the process: When is my next chocolate break? LOL
Boy do I agree with Jennifer Brown Banks. I always need a chocolate break. As for my manuscript, I ask "so what?" alot. Is this scene/dialogue/situation important enough to include in the story/essay, and if so, should it go here? Thanks for sharing these links, Karen.
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome. It's a good post, and share worthy! I ask that chocolate question too. It's a necessary one, I'm thinking. :)
Victoria,
I'm with Jen too! :) It is a good question. :) I do the same, asking "So what?" while writing. If we are writing to be read, then we must ask that, I think.
Happy writing,
Karen
Thanks for all the helpful links, Karen. Cecelia's book went out today; thanks for hosting me last week!
ReplyDeleteGrace,
Jen
I am interested in the link about variety in blog posts. I'm not sure it's the right one. Maybe I'll just Google her. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe info about copyright laws interests me as well. Good stuff as usual.
I'm wondering if I have enough tension in my drafts. I also wonder about subplots, because I tend to add those while I'm drafting. As you can tell, I'm drafting right now.
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! I am sure Cecelia will be happy to receive the book. Thanks for sharing with us; it's a fun post! :)
Rhonda,
Hooray for posting success! :) So glad it worked. So what did we do before the iPad? I can't remember. lol Hope you find it all helpful and relevant.
Medeia,
Ah yes, I can see where you are coming from. I know you are making good progress. Wishing you well with it! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
My question now it - Did I just write myself into a corner? Argghh. Hope not. Thanks for the links, Karen!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Cecelia... I always ask myself if there is another word that describes it better :)
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteThat is a good question, What I want to know is how you get yourself out when that happens. :)
Marja,
I often ask the same question, and consult the thesaurus often. :) We are always learning something, aren't we? :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI ask the famous, "What if," question and then let my mind go down that path to see the possibilities. Sometimes it's a rabbit trail, but other times it can yield a great sub-plot or highlight a particular character's struggles.
God bless,
Susan :)
Susan,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question to ask! Those rabbit trails can be a fun journey, too, and provide lots of ideas. :)
Happy writing,
Karen
These are excellent links, Karen. Thanks so much. Your blog is my first choice for helpful info.
ReplyDelete