I come from a family that loves to hone our do-it-yourself skills, analyze projects seen on HGTV shows, and critique how houses are built. Since childhood we often stopped by a local hardware store to gawk at some new lighting or the latest DeWalt gadget after dinner out. Asking if anyone needs anything from HomeContinue reading “How Working in a Hardware Store Taught Me About Writing”
Tag Archives: amwriting
How Removing One Villain Solved Everything
I’m one of those people who learn lessons the hard way. It’s a stubborn streak I inherited from three of my grandparents. As much as I love them – thanks guys. Some cycles are harder to break than others. This can be applied to characters you create for stories as well. You fall in loveContinue reading “How Removing One Villain Solved Everything”
When a Character Says Goodbye
I always thought writers were crazy when they Tweeted about their characters “speaking” to them. For the first time since my novel’s conception, I experienced a “sayōnara” moment with my original villain. Now I know what all those “crazy writers” were talking about. And you know what? I’m now one of them. Yay! The downsideContinue reading “When a Character Says Goodbye”
I Am Discontinuing “The Bulletin.” Here’s Why.
Happy Monday, publishing world! Today’s one of those days where I finally made a decision on something and I must admit that it feels rather great. Back in July I announced a new eNewsletter called The Bulletin. In the three months of putting it out, here’s what I’ve learned: A. I’m sorely unqualified to produceContinue reading “I Am Discontinuing “The Bulletin.” Here’s Why.”
I Put Together a #writerslife Slide Show
THE FIREDAMP CHRONICLES was birthed three years ago, and since then I’ve built up a rather large inventory of writing related images. Some are as old as 2016, others are brand new. But I thought I’d make this impromptu slide show for inspiration, in case you needed any! There’s little clues peppered throughout, of whatContinue reading “I Put Together a #writerslife Slide Show”
The Bulletin | Newsletter Announcement
Naming things has always been a difficult task for me. If I’m ever blessed with children I suspect I’ll have difficulty naming them as well. So I decided to go with something classic and viola! The Bulletin is born. “But, Leigh,” you say. “You’re not even published. How can we trust any advice from you?”Continue reading “The Bulletin | Newsletter Announcement”
Music That Drives My Writing
Does your writing reflect what you listen to? Does it match your story’s tone, pace, and action? Or is it so far removed that your eclectic choices surprise your die hard readers? While I do enjoy some bands like Faun, Loreena McKennitt and Enya, I mostly rock out to film scores, musical numbers and KoreanContinue reading “Music That Drives My Writing”
Back to the Basics
Many months ago I bought books. Lots of books. So many books that I’ve forgotten which ones I’ve read. That’s just my poor memory kicking in. During my book buying binge, (say that five times fast), I picked up a few grammar ones as well, including this one by Pamela Rice Hahn. The title doesContinue reading “Back to the Basics”
My Top Ten Victorian Slang Words
Writing historical fiction isn’t easy. There are so many decisions I have to make to prevent myself from overdoing it with language and writing style. Do I try to match it with the time period? Do I use modern slang? How far into 1800s etymology do I really want to go? Research has been keyContinue reading “My Top Ten Victorian Slang Words”
Why Historical Fiction Matters (to me)
Cliches. There are so many cliches that come to mind when you’re trying to figure out how to start a blog post about writing (in general). It falls under that “nothing new under the sun” mantra. It’s like comparing every scifi show or book you read to the “Big Three” of the genre – StarContinue reading “Why Historical Fiction Matters (to me)”
