While looking for interesting writer sites, I came across M.J. Pearson’s extensive writing links page. I was surprised to see she writes gay historical romance, and was glad to see she has a number of books of this genre (called Slash). Imagine any romance book, but with male couples. I found it rather enlightened and fresh.
She offers samples of her writing, provides a page on writing tips, and, of course, read through the links page.
Filed under Author, Blog, Blog Mention, Writer, Writer Wednesday
I’ve been working on this April Daily Vlog Challenge I put to myself, to vlog every day. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about just one subject, but I decided to pick a few days out of each week to talk about writing.
The video “Top 10 Things I Learned About Writing” includes that which I discovered as truths to the writing process.
They are;
In the video, I go over a bit more depth over each, but bear in mind that I’m still getting used to the vlogging medium, and a bit nervous still about presenting myself. I’d appreciate ideas, comments, feedback (constructive), and hope you enjoy the video.
Filed under Blog, Friday Fun Tip, Writer
I find blogging through the Blogger or WordPress sites lacks certain formatting features I use on a regular basis.
Windows Live Writer (free download program) provides those features, and works with a number of blogging services.
The features:
- Backups- I found a number of times, I lost my blog posts due to a browser crash when using Blogger or WordPress web sites. Using the Live Writer lets me backup on my computer, or save as a draft (not published) to the web site. Once saved to my hard drive, I can back up to flash drive or cloud drive as I wish.
- Formatting- I like adding graphics and embed videos into my posts, and the Live Writer makes it easier. I can also include HTML that Blogger/Wordpress might otherwise not allow me.
- Choices for add ons- You can download extensions to Live Writer that will create tag/labels for you, make graphic appear as Polaroid’s, notifications to social sites, and more.
- Allows choice- The blog services provide features, which are still there if I choose to use them, but I prefer to back to hard drive. I enjoy using the Live Writer program in addition to the blog post features the web sites provide.
Do you post directly or do you use a third party program to do your blogging? Post in comments.
While exploring the medium of video blogging on Youtube, I’m also exploring what appeals to the viewer in the way of blogs and youtube channels.
For instance, most blogs have a shtick, or specific topic. Here are some examples of vloggers (video bloggers):
Freddiew- Freddie Wong is an American movie maker who focuses his youtube channel on entertaining short films. He also shares the behind-the-scenes movie making videos.
CGP Grey, on the other hand, focuses informative and educational videos, crammed full of facts. He does this with a wonderful flare of humor as well.
Coffee, The Greatest Addiction
Although the medium is video, I find the content entertaining, and even informative. The channels are, however, specific to something. Viewers go there, subscribe to them, anticipating more of the same.
I found some amazing author vlogs as well;
Vlogbrothers- With bestseller author, John Green, and his brother, Hank Green, vlog back and forth to one another. You’ll find tons of topics, but their theme touches upon sharing thoughts and information to one another. He shares his experience as a writer on his video A Day in the life of a writer (who has no friends).
JacksonAPearce- This author shares her opinions as well as her experiences as an author. Her video Misconceptions covers author misconceptions people have about writing.
Although the non-writing topics can be interesting, its their experiences with becoming authors that bring me back.
Other blog, not writer related, includes the same gimmick with sticking to a theme.
Some examples include:
The Featured Creature- This blog posts regularly interesting animals, often adding photos or even video. You can find other blogs talking about animals, but this offers stunning photography with amazing animals. You’ll find the exotic, the gorgeous, and even bizarre creatures at this site.
The Bloggess- Although she writes on a many different topics, her gimmick includes a special snarkiness and humor. She is, in fact, the Queen of Snark, and well worth reading her popular post, And here is why you should learn to pick your battles which left me in stitches. Its hilarious.
My youtube channel is a bit too mix-and-match. I talk about homeschool, my spirituality, my pets, and sometimes tutorials on word processing. I don’t have a shtick. I’m not that entertaining. I’m not sure how informative I am, and doubts continually scream at me to just stop. I have to wonder if other blogger and vlogger feel the same.
What are your thoughts? Are you a fan of a specific vlog/blogger? What keeps you coming back? What’s the appeal? Post in comments.
Filed under Blog
I have enough trouble figuring out left from right, east to west, but The Write Turn certainly provides helpful information in which direction to go as a writer of short story fiction.
You see what I did there? Using a play on words…yeah, whatever…
It’s a streamlined site, easy to navigate, and includes pages on ‘how to’, story idea, writing exercises, publishing, the writing life, and competitions. The Write Turn offers tons of basic information on writing, offering plenty of reading material as well as exercises and food for thought.
5 Basic Ways to Self-publish a Book
How to Write Using Writing Rituals (I needed this one)
That’s just a few of the posts you can find there. The author also offers a free book of writing prompts if you sign up for updates.
If you know of any bloggers, vloggers, authors, or other writers, post in comments or email so I can share on my Wednesday posts. 
Filed under Blog, Blog Mention, Prompt, Publishing, Writer Wednesday
I decided to post some ideas to get the creative juices flowing for those of you who might be a bit stuck;
Use the following picture to practice writing about the senses. Imagine yourself diving in the water, and describe the experience. Use all the senses.
Source: online.wsj.com via Sharon on Pinterest
Consider the following quote on the idea of writing about things that scares you. This means you explore your phobias, innermost fears, nightmares, and darker aspects of yourself. I have a fear of something happening to my son, so I might write a scene about a parent dealing with a lost child. It would be tough, but the idea is that you delve into what makes us human, and share that in your writing. (you can also add a happy ending later on)
Source: dawncamp.bigcartel.com via Sharon on Pinterest
Use the Snowflake method to brainstorm ideas. This can be fun in coming with new ideas. Start with a single thought, and start expanding in all direction with new ideas by using word association. For example, I might start out with dragons, which reminds me mountains, which makes me think of ice (and York Peppermint patties), and I also think of fire breathing, scales, armor, and flight. From each of those ideas, I can expand. With flight, I think of floating, falling, soaring, spaceships, eagles, a kite, a blimp… it goes on and on.
When you’re done, you can end up having a page or two on ideas. You can also use entire sentences if you want.
And keep writing!
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
| A Writer's Journey Ring Owner: S. Poffinberger Site: A Writer's Journey |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Get Your Free Site Ring by Bravenet.com |
||||
