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New Year’s Approach to Writing

New Year’s Approach to Writing

Donna Renzulli, author of the children’s book “Dangerous Reading,” posted an interview with me on her blog “A Writing Primate” as an inspiration for New Year’s resolutions for writers. http://awritingprimate.com/2011/12/30/nancy-ellen-dodd-author-of-the-writers-compass/. Below are the questions she asked: Tell us what you mean by developing a “mind-set” for writing, and how important is it to the creative process? You equate story-telling with building a house: foundation, adding structure of walls and roof, the flooring, painting and adding designer touches. Elaborate for us … Read entire article »

Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life

More on Writing Hooks

More on Writing Hooks

A key element of the hook is letting people know what your story is going to be about, giving them an idea of what you want to say. This comes in two forms: the theme or the dramatic question. You can say something through a narrative comment or through the voice of one of your characters that in a phrase gives the reader an indication of what your story will be about, the theme. The … Read entire article »

Filed under: About Writing, Writing Exercises

More on Creating Characters

More on Creating Characters

Mike Angley, award-winning author of the Child Finder Trilogy interviewed me for his blog. Much of the conversation had to do with developing strong characters, as well as some other thoughts I hope you will find interesting. Check out the interview and more about Mike and his trilogy at http://childfinder.us/?p=3822. Also, if you missed it, be sure to check out Sylvia L. Ramsey’s “Thoughtful Reflections” blog with our interview at http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/search?q=dodd. Sylvia has some interesting questions … Read entire article »

Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life

A Creative Tool For Developing Business Stories

A Creative Tool For Developing Business Stories

Lou Hoffman invited me to write a guest blog for “Ishmael’s Corner.” The blog is a writing exercise to help people in business with idea generation using a story development technique. Check out the exercise and the blog at http://www.ishmaelscorner.com/2011/12/07/a-creative-tool-for-developing-business-stories/. … Read entire article »

Filed under: About Writing, Writing Exercises

Article in Writers Digest

Article in Writers Digest

Be sure to check out my article, “Put Your Novel On The Map,” in the Writers Digest magazine January 2012 issue. The article has an interesting graphic representing a structure map and access to a free map Writers Digest created as a giveaway. … Read entire article »

Filed under: The Story Map, About Writing, Writer's Digest