Caitln Kiernan muses on the limitations of first-person writing. Spotted in the SFWA Bulletin: Mary Anne Mohanraj is looking for Kushiel-like books. Send her some; I'd like to read them. The last entry was #500. Woo. … [Read more...] about Writing links: first-person, Kushiel
Writing
“Architecting”
This is a boot to the head for tech writers everywhere. "Architect" is not a verb. "Architecting" is not a word. The word you are looking for is "designing," or perhaps you mean "designing and building." I'm sorry if that phrase is too long for you, but you don't get to make up … [Read more...] about “Architecting”
Friday thoughts
By all means, write dialect, but never use spelling to indicate it. —- Angel's psyche has always been a strange place. However, I refuse to believe that for any reason other than laziness on the part of the writers and the need for a dramatic shot with which to close the … [Read more...] about Friday thoughts
Writing on LJ
The hotbed of thoughtful writing discussion these days is, of all places, LiveJournal. Cath Emery on laziness and cultural symbols Jane St. Clair on playfulness and bad sex in romantic relationships Chelsea Polk on why writers hit a slump after their first … [Read more...] about Writing on LJ
Envy
At least three people I know have finished their novels in the last couple of weeks. I am insanely jealous. I resolve to get cracking. Pester me about chapter 3, OK? I want it done by next Friday, and the elves are not cooperating. … [Read more...] about Envy
Just Add Pirates
Scott claims that any story can be improved with the addition of pirates. Space pirates, in his case. This requires contemplation. … [Read more...] about Just Add Pirates
Love, your devoted authoress
The award for the funniest damn thing I've read all week goes to the Dear anonymous, homicidal, self-loathing protagonist thread at the NaNoWriMo forums, where stressed-out authors berate their protagonists for being boring, self-centered, or just there. "On second thought, I … [Read more...] about Love, your devoted authoress
Light reading
Over at Weirdsmobile, Sandra explains why women find scrawny loners in novels intriguing, if not downright attractive. I'm a movie-Snape admirer, but I can definitely sympathize with the other point of view. Elsewhere on the same site, the Fiction Bitch critiques short fiction … [Read more...] about Light reading
The audience in our heads
Caitln Kiernan waxes eloquent on writing for an audience. I should probably print this and tape it to the wall over my desk, except that I never write at my desk and I'd never see it. … [Read more...] about The audience in our heads
Research
I'm in research mode for my current novel-in-progress. Do you know of any autobiographies or online journals/accounts written by people who became legal guardians of younger siblings after their parents died? Let me know! … [Read more...] about Research
