You're Here. Me Too.
Adventures begin by clicking your mouse once (or your heels three times).
Is it true? Are you really here? Oh, I’m so glad!
For a moment, I must admit, I thought no one would show. But here you are.
I suspect you love books, and, perhaps, you’re a writer. Those are the best sorts of people, aren’t they? Well, not all writers. Some are nitwits who like writing mediocre stories. Not you, though. Certainly not me. We’re the good kind, the kind with fantastic ideas, who want to write great books.
The adventure we’re on is about writing, what’s good to read, and how to get it all done. Join us.
Anyone who tells you writing is easy has probably never done it. There’s coming up with an idea, working out the plot, writing it, and then, editing. Of course, a writer isn’t done yet. Getting it published opens up a big door into a new, colorful world. Then, you’ve got to help sell the thing. Hmm… and then you need to write the next one.
That’s OK. You’ve got lots of ideas. So do I. I’ve written a few of mine down. With over two decades as a professional speechwriter behind me, I know a little about what works and what doesn’t (and what could). I also know a kick in the pants can help.
I’m going to cover the practical aspects of writing. What makes a story a story, how to use metaphor and simile, when to use hyperbole, and the importance of outlining. From time to time, I’ll invite you to share your work, then pick a member’s story to discuss how it can be made even stronger.
I’ll use examples from popular culture and classic literature to show you how the greats do it.
We’ll get into the discipline side of things as well. Until you write it, it isn’t written.
Writing often happens alone, whether we are in a café, a library, or at our kitchen table. I want to make sure you have the right tools. While many of my articles are free, a paid subscription includes access to the full archive of lessons on voice and structure (and the rest). You will also receive guides on the mechanics of storytelling. Paid subscribers can participate in the comments and join the private subscriber chat. This support allows the publication to remain independent. For residents of the United States, a Founding Member subscription includes a choice of one of my books (and my heartfelt thanks).
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Dorothy from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (the original book, not the movie) had a pair of silver shoes she acquired when the Wicked Witch of the East turned to dust. With a quick click, Dorothy could go wherever she liked. You have your keyboard or your pad of paper. You can go wherever you like. All you need to do is click.
That’s what I’m going to help you do. I’m going to encourage you to get it done. I hope my experience will help you.
Four Sentence Story Prompt
Here’s a quick prompt to push you forward.
Julian sat before the typewriter, where the blank page glared back with the clinical coldness of an interrogation lamp. A layer of dust had formed over his forgotten coffee, and the dish of almonds remained untouched as the only witnesses to his three-hour paralysis. Beside him, his phone lay face down, its muffled vibrations indicating that the person he was hiding from had finally traced his location. If Julian did not finish this chapter by dawn, the secrets he was currently transcribing would no longer be considered fiction.
A Not Funny Joke
Git-R-Done: A novelist spent years writing a book about a character who struggled with procrastination. After missing every deadline, the writer finally sent the manuscript to an editor. The editor returned the work immediately with a note saying the ending was missing. The writer replied that the ending is scheduled for completion in three to five years.
I have a Substack account, but I spend most of my time writing on Wordpress. I am writing on a book, and I might want to pick your brain a little if you have time.