The best route to getting what you want is to make a plan, stick to it, and move forward. I think the “stick to it” part is the step that gets a little tricky. I believe in the reward system—small rewards for accomplishments along the way—though I truly believe the ultimate reward is the realization [...]
Last week’s Purple Pencil Adventure was to write a bio. A bio is something all writers should have, whether it’s for a blog or website, byline, query/cover letter, book proposal, workshop flyer, pitch, book jacket cover. Want to re-work your bio? Here are some writing exercises to help you out: 1. Write, Don’t Think: Read [...]
Writing is all about community. Supporting each other is the key to success. My favorite writers websites include: Fundsforwriters.com – The url says it all Helpareporter.com – For writers and experts/sources Mediabistro.com – Articles, classes, and regular mixers (I co-host the LA Parties with Michelle Thatcher) NaNoWriMo.org (Write a Novel in a Month) and ScriptFrenzy.com [...]
It’s important for writers to also be readers. It enriches our knowledge, frame-of-reference, style, and tone. I always suggest having a fiction and/or a non-fiction book, somewhere in progress, at any given time. Since it’s National Poetry Month and Script Frenzy, why not try a poetry book? Or a screenplay? What books are you reading [...]
April 1 is just around the corner and that means Script Frenzy is nearly here. Script Frenzy–the sister event to National Novel Writing Month–runs April 1- 30. It’s a free event that encourages participants to write a 100-page screenplay in a month! The greatest challenge many writers face, especially as far as long-form writing is [...]
Why blog? To position yourself as an expert! Why take part in Social Networking? See above. Having an online presence is essential to social and live networking! If someone needs an expert with your skills, you want to be the first one who comes to mind. How to get started? Have an idea, a vision, [...]
Getting Personal: The Basics of Writing Personal Essays by Tina Haapala, Excuses Editor We all have the stories we tell over and over to explain who we are and where we came from. Your significant other has probably heard the story behind the funny shaped scar on your knee enough times to tell it, detail [...]
Screenwriting – East of LA by Scott W Smith, Screenwriting from Iowa On my blog Screenwriting from Iowa I enjoy writing about screenwriters who come from outside L.A., not because I have anything against L.A., but because I think there are wonderful stories to tell from all over the world. The famous painter Grant Wood [...]
What an incredible celebration of writers! On February 20, at simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) announced the winners of the 2010 Writers Guild Awards for outstanding achievement in writing. Here are photos – and winners – from [...]
Engaging the Reader by script consultant Ginger Earle, www.WhyThisisGood.com The ability to keep the reader engaged and invested in your story is the key to success as a screenwriter. If your reader’s mind wanders—no matter how brilliantly crafted your dialogue, or how perfectly written your character description, or even how amazing the ending is—he may [...]
Debra Eckerling is a professional writer and coach with expertise in feature articles, corporate communications, and public speaking, as well as social media and live networking.
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The leader of Write On!, Debra has been a professional writer for more than 10 years. She has expertise in feature articles, corporate communications, and public speaking. Write On! is a virtual - and live - writers support group, which helps writers of all abilities, mediums, and specialties take their projects to the next level.
