Creativity Archives | The Writer's Cookbook

How Much Backstory is too Much Backstory in a Book?

Kristina Adams — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

This is something I’ve been asked quite a lot. Many writers really enjoy the world building process, and maybe the character creation process, but then they sit down to write and feel like they’ve already said everything. Or, they spend so much time doing all this work, then they feel like they have to use […]

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Writing Dialogue-Centric First Drafts (with Jeff Elkins)

Ellie Betts — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:45:21 +0000

Jeff Elkins writes stories about outsiders who fight for outcasts, rejects, and the oppressed. He is the author of more than ten novels, a Certified Three Story Method Editor, and the host of the Dialogue Doctor podcast. During the day, he leads the writing team for a training company that simulates difficult conversations. He lives north […]

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How to Worldbuild…When You Hate Worldbuilding

Kristina Adams — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

How do you get over your hatred of worldbuilding enough to publish a fantasy series? Kristina shares her tips in our latest episode! In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Kristina hated worldbuilding so much How planning and outlining can help Listen to us talk all about worldbuilding: Powered by RedCircle Show notes: 00.00 – Introductions […]

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Should You Do a Creative Writing Degree? (with Jonathan Taylor)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Jonathan Taylor is an author, editor, lecturer and critic. His books include the novel Melissa (Salt, 2015), the poetry collections Cassandra Complex (Shoestring, 2018) and Musicolepsy (Shoestring, 2013), and the memoir Take Me Home (Granta, 2007). He directs the MA in Creative Writing at the University of Leicester. Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, he now lives in Leicestershire with his wife, the poet Maria Taylor, […]

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Why Writer’s Block is More Painful Than Stepping on a Lego (And What to do About it)

Guest Blogger — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

This is a guest post by Katie Lewis. A writer doesn’t always know what to write. It’s perhaps the best-kept secret among creative writers, who appreciate being viewed as unique idea factories. Every writer, no matter their experience or level, sits down to write without any idea of what to say or where to go. […]

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Creating Mouldable Character Templates for Your Story

Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

This is a guest post by Nicholas Rubright from writer.com. Stock photo from Shutterstock. Crafting a captivating story requires crafting a whole new world. If the characters in your story feel a little flat, it might be time to direct some of your attention away from your story’s central plot and into its personalities. After […]

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Creating Conflict in Fiction (with Janice Hardy)

Kristina Adams — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:33:22 +0000

Janice Hardy is the award-winning author and founder of the popular writing site Fiction University, where she helps writers improve their craft and navigate the crazy world of publishing. She teaches writing workshops across the country, and her blog has been recognised as a Top Writing Blog by Writer’s Digest. She also spins tales of […]

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Writing Contemporary Romance (with Terra Kelly)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Terra Kelly is an author who’s been publishing for almost seven years. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She’s also an author coach and helps aspiring writers to move past their barriers so that they can finally share their story. She does that through a course, membership, one-on-one training, and more. In this episode, […]

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Why Worldbuilding Matters for More Than Just Fantasy and Sci-fi (with Alexa Whitewolf)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Alexa Whitewolf provides editing services through Luna Imprints Author Services (which is often shortened to LIAS) to new and established authors. Her mission is to help indies achieve their dreams of self-publishing their books by helping them fine-tune their novels to publishing quality. Alexa is also a dog-loving, caffeine-addicted, all-around traveling enthusiast. Author of fantasy, paranormal and young […]

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What You Need to Publish Six-Figure Paranormal Romance (with Lee Savino)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Lee Savino is a USA today bestselling author. Her books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into five languages. She teaches and coaches other authors and you can find her in the Millionaire Author Mastermind group on Facebook. In this episode, you’ll learn: If a creative writing degree can help you with […]

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Self-Publishing 101 and the Horror Genre (with Daniel Willcocks)

Kristina Adams — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Daniel Willcocks is an international bestselling author and award-nominated podcaster of dark fiction. He is an author coach; one fifth of digital story studio, Hawk & Cleaver; co-founder of iTunes-busting fiction podcast, ‘The Other Stories‘;’ CEO of horror imprint, Devil’s Rock Publishing; and the co-host of the ‘Next Level Authors’ podcast. In this episode, you’ll […]

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Narwhal Pen Review

Kristina Adams — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Goldspot pens for sending me a Narwhal pen to review! I haven’t used a fountain pen since I was at school. Back then, I experimented with Parker pens and Lamy fountain pens. They were smooth to write with, turning daily note taking into an experience, rather than a chore. But it’s easy to […]

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