The end of the year, and I've got a BUNCH of writing prompts to propel you toward your writing goals! Let's go. The largest medieval manuscript, rumored to have been written by one person in one night with the help of the devil, has pages missing. This 14th century translation has the @ symbol. Time-traveler? … Continue reading December (!) Writing Prompts
Tag: writing
Language as Story Prompt
Do words have arcs the same way characters in stories do? Can you turn a mystery on a shibboleth? What if language was a weapon? A way to hold secrets or contain code? How does control of language enable colonialism and conquest? What does it mean to be suspicious of a language? Can you write … Continue reading Language as Story Prompt
Four Ways I’m Smashing My Writing Goal
Remember that fun meter I had to track writing progress on my novel work? Well, I've got a new one! 11 / 30 stories. 37% done! This is for my goal of 30 stories in submission circulation. Meaning, stories out there looking for a home, knocking on doors, peering in windows, and generally risking … Continue reading Four Ways I’m Smashing My Writing Goal
October’s Writing Prompts
MacGuffins are nouns in a story that drive the people and plot out of their normal routine and into fiction. In the end, they probably don't actually matter, but without them, the story doesn't have a compelling reason to get going. Respected and experienced creators have different definitions, but for the purpose of these prompts, … Continue reading October’s Writing Prompts
September’s Writing Prompts
Ooh, for those of you with summer munchkins underfoot, you possibly have more time to write now that they are safely ensconced! But, you sit down to face that blank page and your mind stutters. This month's writing prompts (and the previous ones) might be able to help. Lots of sub calls will be for … Continue reading September’s Writing Prompts
Book & Book
What would it be when you took the Dust of His Dark Materials and covered it in sin? That would be Dan Vyleta's Smoke. Mr. Vyleta has written a Dickensian tale of class structure, ethical theology, and coming-of-age in the most naked and brutal of ways. What if every sinful thought and compulsion you had were … Continue reading Book & Book
June’s Story Prompts
HOW is it already June? Have you written as many stories as you thought you would? Are you feeling stuck from mowing lawns and playing taxi to the little ones? Here are some cool story ideas to get you started - 1. Black, Hot Ice Planets "...a new phase of water with bizarre properties. Unlike the … Continue reading June’s Story Prompts
Cait Gordon, author & advocate
Cait Gordon's first book, Life in the 'Cosm, was meant as a way to survive chronic illness, but ended up a surprise hit. She's about to release a second edition, and a prequel, with Renaissance Press! With co-editor Talia C. Johnson and Nathan Fréchette from Renaissance, she recently built a Kickstarter for Nothing Without Us … Continue reading Cait Gordon, author & advocate
Language as Lesson
In this Book & Book, two classics with an ambassador to a new world, whether by choice or force, demonstrate the lessons of language and their bearing on interpersonal power dynamics. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin sees an ambassador on the faraway planet of Winter where he must navigate shifgrethor … Continue reading Language as Lesson
Justin Bloch, author
Justin Bloch's debut novel, The Stolen Karma of Nathaniel Valentine, is a powerhouse of plot twists and personal journeys. The settings are rich and varied, and the characters are all masterfully round and motivated. I caught up with Justin while he was hard at work on the sequel to ask him a few questions. PersephoneKnits: … Continue reading Justin Bloch, author
