The Writer's Compass » Becoming A Writer
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
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
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
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 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
Finding Ideas: Where are they when you need one?
Actually, they are everywhere, it’s just that sometimes we are too focused on the immediate to see the potential. When our minds are filled with paying bills and making ends meet or job stresses, home stresses, family stresses, or school stresses, it can be difficult to look objectively or creatively at the world around us and see the stories strewn haphazardly about. Ideas come from strong emotions and feelings, from inspiration like paintings or music or a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer, About Writing, The Writer's Life, Writing Exercises
Becoming A Writer
Becoming A Writer The biggest difference between published writers and wannabe writers is that published writers write, and wannabe writers only dream about writing. If you want to be a writer, you have to commit to writing. It’s that simple. You don’t need a degree. You don’t need to be hired to write. You don’t need to have a career in writing. You don’t need anyone to say, “You have met the requirements, you are … Read entire article »
Filed under: Becoming A Writer
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