Last-last weekend I had the privilege of attending the Writers for Life workshop in Provo, Utah with both my blood sister and my agency sister.
I took lots of notes! I'm hoping to share what I learned over a few blog posts. Today I want to share some notes from Lisa Mangum, author of The Hourglass Door. Her presentation was titled "So You Want to Be a Writer," and it covered a wide range of topics (mind you that I'm not going to make the following bullets parallel because I'm lazy like that).
First, a quote:
Real sister |
Agency sister |
First, a quote:
"Quit. But if you can't, do the work." -Rick Walton
- Keep an idea journal. Every day, write down five notes--character ideas, something interesting you learned, a piece of science you saw on twitter, a magic idea, anything. You can turn these notes into "what if" statements, and stories can rise from those. (We ended up on some what-if tangent about frozen gummy bears...)
- The three critical elements of plot are forward progression, increased momentum, and
unrelenting tension. - Create characters that grow.
- Create a problem. Once you have a problem, it either needs to be solved and a new problem arises, or it hasn't been solved and the problem has gotten worse.
- Ask, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" And then do it.
- One solution to writer's block is changing where and how you write.
- Writing in a profession that requires you to believe in yourself.
Well said, Lisa! Hopefully something here is helpful to my fellow writers. :)
Great tips. And I've heard others say we should think about the worst thing that could happen to our characters.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!
ReplyDeleteYou guys look like you're having fun. What a neat event!
Some common sense advice and reminders.
ReplyDeleteGood list. I especially like the: Ask, "What's the worst thing that could happen?" And then do it.
ReplyDeleteLisa rocks. I loved the points highlighted here. And I love the pics! Writer conferences/workshops are the best… they're always SO inspiring!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat bullet points here. I'm working on some of those. :)
ReplyDeleteYou and your sister look so much alike! And now you have me wondering about frozen gummy bears. Would they break your teeth off...? ;)
ReplyDelete