Do you need new ideas?

Sometimes I think we all get stuck for an idea to move us on to a new project or power through a WIP.

We all have favorite books. No matter the genre. Books that speak to us and stay with us long after the words “the end.”

Read, grab an ideaand Write

This is one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time about writing prompts.

9 Writing Prompts From Harry Potter To Get You Started On Your Novel by 

We’ve all exclaimed, on occasion, “What a great line.”

See what you think. Can you use one of these prompts or perhaps pull a good one from a favorite book?

No need to limit ideas to books. What about a favorite movie, or TV show?

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How to string together a story.

I’m a big fan of Larry Brooks over at Storyfix.com and his books.

But I have to admit, sometimes all this story structure stuff just zooms right over my head.

For me, a story begins with one scene. A scene I can’t get out of my head. However, often times that’s as far as it goes. After that, I get stuck.

Larry writes about a different way to look at story structure. Just string together the scenes. What came before and what happened after your mind captativing scene. Although, it’s still a little more difficult than stringing beads, his explanation is eye-opening.

beads-717118_1280

 

 

Read for yourself and see if it takes a little of the mystique out of story structure writing.

The Non-Structural Language of Story

He also gives additional links to help us along our route to understanding.

Check out his post.

Do you struggle to understand the structure of story writing?

Talk to me.

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Do we ever stop learning?

I don’t think so, not if we want to be good at our craft.

That’s why I link back to so many different writers and blogger here at Jean’s Writing.

Because I’m still learning. Right along with you.

And I want to learn from the best.

There is a world-wide web is filled with amazing writers who have been there and done everything!

Never stop clicking or Learning!

Finding nuggets of gold among the chaff is so much fun. Some days my mind is brimming with TMI (too much information.) However, writing about what I’m learning as I go helps me assimilate the mountains of information.

So in that vein…

Take it away Bridget!

Writing a novel: 7 tips from bestselling authors

Way to go girl. These are good. And show that there is a no-size-fits all way to write.

So whether you are a plotter or a pantster, just remember you are not alone and as always, keep the story yours.

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Do you need a pro or can you DIY?

I’ve read good and bad about both.

But there must be a good way to DIY.

As a writer, unless we’ve hit the NYT Best Seller list on our first time at bat, we need an affordable good book cover.

So how can I do that?

One thing I do know, is the right tools are a must!

tools

Taking a hammer to my computer won’t help, sigh.

This article is packed with tips to help us look at our designs.

Not only will you find great tips to maximize your book cover, there are links, and specific specs to get you started.

So if, or when you’re ready to take the leap, be ready.

This sounds like it’s not for the faint of heart, but doable.

Check out this article Written by Rob Nightingale:

8 Self-Publishing Secrets For Designing An eBook Cover

This one is going in my research file.

What about you guys? Have any of you done your own book cover or have you hired a pro?

I’d love to hear your experience.

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