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The Writer's Compass » Entries tagged with "structure"

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

Amazon Reviews

If you want to know what others think about The Writer’s Compass, there have been a couple of great reviews posted on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Compass-Story-Finished-Stages/product-reviews/1599631970/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending. … Read entire article »

Filed under: Introduction, About Writing

What Others Are Saying

Blogs RECENTLY ADDED Angela Booth’s Writing Blog Angela Booth, a writer and teacher, has posted a blog I wrote about The Writer’s Compass on her site and is encouraging those who have read TWC to post comments at http://www.angelabooth.biz/2011/07/the-writers-compass-by-nancy-ellen-dodd.html. July 16, 2011 The Lit Chick Show Video Interview Sylvia Massara posted a video interview of me discussing The Writer’s Compass on her site at http://www.litchickshow.com/2011/07/writers-compass-for-lit-chick-show.html. July 15, 2011 Morgen Bailey’s Blog Interview with me at http://wp.me/p18Ztn-lb. June 30, 2011 New Book Journal Posted press release about “The Writer’s Compass by Nancy Ellen Dodd” http://newbookjournal.com/2011/06/the-writers-compass-by-nancy-ellen-dodd/ June 29, 2011 Creative Writing Now “Nancy Ellen Dodd on How to Write a Manuscript in 7 Stages” posted at http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-manuscript.html. June 17, 2011 Your Plot Thickens Lara Sterling discusses “What’s at Stake and Giving Your Story a Sense of Urgency” and how The Writer’s Compass developing them at http://yourplotthickens.blogspot.com/2011/06/whats-at-stake-and-giving-your-story.html. June 10, 2011 “Highlighted Author” Charlene A. Wilson highlights … Read entire article »

Filed under: Uncategorized

Living a Writer’s Life

Living a Writer’s Life

Mapping Your Life as a Writer   What does it mean to you to become a writer? At what point will you feel like a writer? What will being a writer look like in your everyday world? Chapter 11 discusses what living as a writer means including: 9 Qualities of Successful Writers Do you need talent or luck? Effective Networking Do you need a writer’s group? Entering Writing Competitions Setting Goals that Make Sense Combining Writing with Another Career Quality Writing Can I Make … Read entire article »

Filed under: The Writer's Life, Featured

The 7 Stage Process

The 7 Stage Process

Developing the 7 Stages   The 7-Stage process systematically develops a story one level at a time, every stage building on the last. Each stage focuses on an area of development that works through key obstacles to create a strong story. Charting the essential elements of storytelling with your ideas across a story map lays the foundation for your story. Progressing systematically through each stage helps you develop your story with the least number of revisions. The 7 … Read entire article »

Filed under: The 7 Stage Process, Featured

Mapping the Elements of Good Storytelling

Mapping the Elements of Good Storytelling

If you have read books on writing or attended very many lectures, you have probably learned a few writing rules, along with several different terms for describing the elements of good storytelling. As I note on page 12 in the book, I have only two rules for writing: 1) Never allow anyone to convince you to cut something from your story that your gut tells you belongs—at least until you know why you wrote it … Read entire article »

Filed under: The Story Map, Featured

Becoming A Writer

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

Introduction to The Writer’s Compass

Introduction to The Writer’s Compass

What Will The Writer’s Compass Teach Me? The Writer’s Compass There are three approaches to The Writer’s Compass for writers: Reading through the book will teach both beginning and experienced writers new information Answering some of the questions and/or exercises will give writers new skills Digging in and doing the majority of the work suggested in the book will take your writing to a new level   As writers, we often look for answers to: How do … Read entire article »

Filed under: Introduction