World Building 101
Especially for sci-fi and fantasy writers, creating a convincing world is key for immersing readers in your story. The world is the backdrop for your entire narrative, and a truly well-developed world will play a role in the characters’ journeys and drive the story’s conflict.
But world building can be intimidating for new writers. I have to create an entire universe? Yes, it’s a difficult task. But it’s also a lot of fun! You get to create something entirely unique, the perfect home for your characters. What would Harry Potter be without the wizarding world? Or Riddley Walker without the post-apocalyptic world? Let’s talk about how to get started and the most important aspects to consider during world building. ...
Gifts for Writers
The holidays are right around the corner. You—being the procrastinator you are—are probably wondering what to get that special writer in your life. You can’t wrap the perfect story idea so you find yourself at a loss.
Don’t worry. I’m here to help.
These gifts will make your writer smile and will keep your name out of his or her next story. Because let’s be honest—that never ends well. ...
Back It Up
Put on some Mozart and reading glasses because we’re talking about a serious topic today. Sit down, and focus all your attention on these words. Don’t fidget in your chair. Don’t think about what you’re going to watch on Netflix later. Don’t even think about your WIP.
Yeah, it’s that serious.
Ok, breathe. Focus. Listen.
Back up your writing.
It’s happened to us all. We spend hours, days, weeks, god forbid months on a project, and then poof it’s gone. The tech-fairies whisk it away as though it never existed at all, and we’re left staring at an error screen and begging time to reverse. ...
5 Things No Professional Writer’s Desk Should Be Without
A writer’s desk is a sacred space. It’s where the magic happens. Ideas become words, and words become stories. And sometimes those stories go out into the world and do great things. But every writer needs a few tools to make that happen...
Read More20 questions and a selfie: A day in the life of Julie Stroebel Barichello, news editor by day, independent author-designer by night
For this installment of “20 Questions and a Selfie,” we catch up with Julie Stroebel Barichello, newspaper editor by day, …
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