This afternoon my daughter related one of those moments when she misread a movie poster while riding to work on the bus the other day. The film was in fact Vantage Point, but she read the words as Vintage Paint. We both had a bit of a laugh, but both of us thought the title might work for a book or a film, anyway. The two of us came up with two stories that worked from this made up title.
You can use this idea, too. Select either the title of a book or movie you haven’t seen and aren’t …read more

Just so you know, it’s only a little over two weeks before the NaNoWriMo challenge begins again. That’s long enough to grab a notebook, work out a plot, characterisation, & all the other things you need for your very own 50,000 word novel.
If you don’t know anything about this novel writing challenge, please read more on their website. But, the basic idea is that you use the entire month of November to write a 50,000 word novel. I’ve been part of this challenge three times so far. It’s a lot of fun and very motivating. You sign up on …read more

Sometimes I recommend certain books because I’ve found them particularly useful for journal writing inspiration. One such book is Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan.
The book is easy to read and offers stacks of useful advice. I particularly enjoyed the writing exercises. I recommend working on these in your writer’s journal. You’ll be amazed how quickly you’re descriptive language improves on reading this book and applying the knowledge gleaned.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with hundreds of journal writing resources.
Life Journal Software

I was happy to receive an email newsletter from NaNoWriMo today. They’ve got a few things happening, but they also reminded readers about the upcoming National Novel Writing Month, which is November, in case you didn’t know.
For those with no clue to what I’m on about NaNoWriMo is simply the website which encourages writers worldwide to dedicate the month of November to writing a 50,000 word novel. I’ve participated several times myself, but not in the last couple of years. The arrival of my surprise baby has changed a lot of things for me.
With their reminder let me …read more

I received an interesting email from the NaNoWriMo people yesterday. Chris Baty is encouraging ongoing challenges throughout 2007, including the usual novel writing month in November.
So, you may have written your goals or adventure challenges in your journal. Why not head over to the NaNoWriMo Forum Adventure Log and share your plans for this year. Apparrently they’re going to make you accountable with follow-ups, etc. So, only share your goals if you’re serious.
Personally, I find a little accountability can be just what it takes to make my goals actually happen.
Heather
Journaling Tools – Go deeper and reach higher with …read more

Tonight I went to see the new film Casino Royale. After watching and discussing with my husband it was clear this movie gives more background on the character of James Bond. His motives and reasons for behaving as he does are very much part of the story presented in this latest 007 installment.
Your writer’s journal is a great place to explore character. Take as much time as you need to learn all you can about your characters, for novels, short stories and even film scripts. The more you know the more realistic your characters become. So, the more you …read more

I know it happens from time to time. You sit and write in your journal and just churn out the most banal rubbish ever, day after day. Blah days can dishearten even the most dedicated journal writer. I believe there is still value in writing any old thing in your journal. Not only does it help clear your mind, but it gives you a place to be. A space to fill. A moment to pause. A place to accept who you are, for the good and bad parts of your personality.
Probably the best advice I ever read concerning writing in …read more

If you enjoy working on short stories in your journal you may want to take part in this interesting challenge. The Short Story Challenge 2007 is open for registration until January 10, 2007.
The event is presented by NYCMidnight.com. The prizes and awards should be enough to at least get your attention. Looks like a fun challenge. You even get a discount on the entry fee if you read carefully. So far the sponsors are Friendster and Write Brothers, but look out for more.

Ok, you caught me. I know I’m supposed to be researching something fine to share with you about journal writing. I was doing something related to journals and diaries, though. I swear. If you enjoyed That 70s Show you may also have fun reading their character diaries.
You might want to write something similar for each of your characters if you’re writing a novel. The exercise helps you get into the head of the characters by writing in their voices, from their perspective. Or you might just have a giggle as you read, like I’m doing now.

After reading this story I had to share the excellent advice on finding voice in your writing.
Steven Bradley writes;
“Don’t try to force your voice. It has a tendency to hide when you try hard to get at it. Keep reading and forming opinions and keep writing whether it’s on your blog or in your journal or even if it’s just your grocery list. The more you write the more your voice will come to the surface. The more you forget to look specifically for it the more it will reveal itself to you. ”
Earlier in the piece Bradley suggests;
“The best …read more