The Writer's Compass » About Writing
JOIN ME AT GLAWS 2013
The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference occurs this weekend at Los Angeles Valley College in L.A. Click here. I will be on one panel and then presenting the following workshops: Friday, June 14, 3:15-4:15 pm “The Short Story Market” a short story panel Saturday, June 15, 4:30-5:30 pm “Creating Imagery from Cultural Metaphors for Screenwriting and Novels” Sunday, June 16, 11:15-12:15 pm, “Traditional and Indie Publishing” Looking forward to seeing you. Stop by my table with your book and I’ll sign it, or buy one there. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life
Is It Really Writer’s Block?
I was staring at a blank page and I had nothing. That’s not quite true. I had notes on 5×8 cards, I had my ideas for the scene, I had the chronology of events for the scene, I knew my characters. And still, I sat on my bed, staring at a blank computer screen. I had to ask myself, what’s wrong here? I don’t believe in writer’s block, so what is keeping me from at least typing the notes I’ve already hand written. It was simple. I was sitting on the wrong side of the bed. No, really. I write in bed, for one reason because my legs are short and they dangle, which is uncomfortable for long periods of time, so I like my legs propped and the bed is the best … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life
New Review of The Writer’s Compass
Thank you to “A Wandering Mind” for taking time to explore The Writer’s Compass and post about it on your blog. https://awanderingminddotme.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/the-writers-compass-a-review-part-1/ … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, The Story Map, About Writing
Writing Essentials Guest Blog
Morgen Bailey, a writer who supports writers with interviews and guest blogs on her sites, has written a guest blog for me at nancyellendodd.com called “Writing Essentials.” Morgen lives in the UK and is a prolific writer. One of the things she excels at is creating a writing presence on the web. She has turned her success into a new business helping others to create their own blog sites. Her article can be found at http://nancyellendodd.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/writing-essentials-from-morgen-bailey/. Morgen Bailey morgen@morgenbailey.com http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com http://icanbuildyourwritingblog.wordpress.com By the way, she has an interview with me posted at http://morgensauthorinterviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/author-interview-no37-nancy-dodd.html. … Read entire article »
Filed under: About Writing
Finding Time to Write – 4 Tips
It doesn’t get easier. If it’s not planned for–it just doesn’t happen, unless you are in the “habit.” How do you get in the habit? Find the time of day when you can most avoid interruptions. If the baby wakes up at 6:10 am, then 6:00 am is not a good time to choose. If you are perpetually late to work because you can’t get up on time, then you probably won’t get up early to write. If Aunt … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life
Coming Soon – Private Consultations
As per popular request, in May opportunities will be available for private video consulting on a fee ($50) per hour basis. Prior to that I will schedule free 15-minute sessions (1 free session only). Sessions will be available from 7:00-10:00 pm PST, Monday thru Thursdays, If one of these sessions interests you, please email me at nancy {at} nancyellendodd {dot} com to let me know which session you are interested in and a preferred time. … Read entire article »
Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, Becoming A Writer, About Writing, Critiques and Feedback
Be the Antagonist – Creative Writing Exercise
Be the Antagonist Creative Writing Exercise View yourself as the antagonist to the hero in your story. •What do you think your hero wants? •Why do you want to stop the hero from succeeding? •What are three things you will do to stop the hero from getting what he or she wants? •What do you, the antagonist, want? •How far will you go to stop the hero and get what you want? Write a few paragraphs describing: 1. Who you are 2. What the story is about? 3, Why you have to win? 4. Whether you succeed? If you would like to share, post in the comments section and email me – nancy *at* nancyellendodd*dot*com – so that I can be sure your comment does not go into the spam trap. … Read entire article »
Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, About Writing, Writing Exercises
Creating Ideas for the Middle Act
How do you fill in the middle? Starting your story with a great hook, the climax, and the ending are often parts of the story writers have in mind when they begin their story. When it comes to the middle, it is often a big hole in the story that stops writers from continuing. Where do writers find ideas to create the events that take the protagonist from the challenge to the climax? One of the ways … Read entire article »
Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, About Writing, Writing Exercises
Screenwriting 101
Maybe even tougher than selling poetry is selling a screenplay. While there is nonstop television programming and movies available, how many of those are reruns? The cost of creating a movie or a new television show is high and only limited financing is available. Getting distribution can be as daunting as getting financing. But, wait! That being said, with today’s technology and new media, it is easier than ever to create your own video and get it seen by an audience on the internet. This is what I tell my screenwriting students, “Get together with your friends and do it yourself.” However, you’ll want to start with a good screenplay. This was an article written as a guest blog for Morgen Bailey and the rest of the article is posted at http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2012/02/12/guest-post-screenwriting-101-by-nancy-dodd/. … Read entire article »
Filed under: About Writing, The Writer's Life
Writers Lost in Need of Finding
Yesterday I spent time with a friend, who is a writer, helping him rewrite an article. The problem was that a national magazine had asked him for an article about an ordeal he had faced with his health. When the magazine editor got the article from him, they reassigned it to another writer to rewrite according to the magazine’s “style.” My friend hated the rewritten article. It no longer had his voice, although written in first person, and because the person the magazine assigned didn’t know my friend or talk to him for more details, the new writer had made up dialogue and events to serve the story’s theme rather than using the facts. My friend felt he had two choices. Rewrite the article or pull it and refuse to allow the magazine to publish it. He had already analyzed what … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, Critiques and Feedback
Reaching the Christian Market
This post has been moved to http://nancyellendodd.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/reaching-the-christian-market/. … Read entire article »
Filed under: About Writing
The Writer’s Compass Video Presentation
September 15, 2011, my 45-minute lecture at the Pepperdine Payson Library was videotaped and can be accessed for free here. http://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/nancy-dodd-the-writers-compass/id499064657 … Read entire article »
Filed under: FREEBIES & PURCHASE, Becoming A Writer, The Story Map, The 7 Stage Process, About Writing
New Audio Interview on Writing and the 7 Stages
Wise Bear Media Audio Interview Quinn Barrett, author of Invisible Snow, interviews me on writing and the 7 Stages for an audio podcast which can be found at: http://www.wisebearbooks.com/2012/01/26/podcast-nancy-ellen-dodd/ http://youtu.be/LMDq9LDdkfw http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wisebearbooks/2012/01/26/meet-nancy-ellen-dodd-author-of-the-writers-compass January 26, 2012 … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, The 7 Stage Process, About Writing
Interview, Blog on Critiquing, Upcoming Seminar
1 Kris Wampler, author of Love Train, interviewed me on his indie writer’s blog on January 12 covering a variety of topics indie writers may be interested in reading. In the interview we discuss: the 3 most common mistakes writers make, the 3 things a writer should do first, what are the signs of a well-written article or story, getting criticism, and marketing techniques, 2 On January 12, 2012, Morgen Bailey posted my guest blog on “How Do You Handle … Read entire article »
Filed under: About Writing, The Writer's Life, Critiques and Feedback
Bringing Your Inner Writer to Life
January 6, 2012, Edie Crabtree wrote a review of The Writer’s Compass in the Newport Beach Independent, highlighting the book as an amazing tool for aspiring writers. “A very well mapped out book, ‘Compass’ covers every topic necessary to see a writing project through to completion, including simply setting time aside to write, and not letting the distractions of everyday life keep us from fulfilling our goals,” Crabtree says. The review and additional insights into the book can … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life
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