The Writing Bug

Writing The Definitive Holiday Classic

By David E Sharp

Originally posted December 5, 2019

Another Thanksgiving is behind us, and the season for tinsel, sleigh bells, and more overeating is upon us. For many of us, it is also the time to revisit holiday specials. Spool up those annual classics that we can recite by rote at any given moment.

Do you ever sit back and think, “I could write one of these”? Why haven’t I penned a holiday classic? Well, you’re in luck. Today on the Writing Bug, we’re talking about all the story elements you need to create the ultimate holiday classic.

Everyone Needs A Writing Partner

By Brian Kaufman

Originally posted November 21, 2019

Writing is a solitary endeavor. That simple truth comes with attending problems. Writing in a vacuum, glued to your story, it’s hard to maintain professional balance. I recommend writing groups, one of which has been instrumental in any publishing success I’ve had.

But the benefits of a critique group don’t extend to your home office or writing cubby. The writing process itself requires some moderation, and the more focused and maniacal you are about your craft, the more likely you’d benefit from the help of a “writing partner.”

NaNoWriMo: The Good, Bad, And Ugly

By Eleanor Shelton

Originally posted November 7, 2019

We’re seven days into November, and for many writers, that means they are doggedly working National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). In case you are one of those intrepid sprinters who have committed to producing at least 50,000 words by the end of the month, this isn’t a blog about how to write a novel in thirty days. Technically, twenty-three days.

All of The Writing That Isn’t Writing

By David E Sharp

Originally posted October 31, 2019

It’s the end of October, and my latest writing endeavors have had nothing to do with novels, short stories, poetry, or any of the other usual suspects. Instead, it is a murder mystery game based loosely on the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

One master reads another!

Fly, Fly My Pretties

By JC Lynne

Originally posted October 24, 2019

If you haven’t noticed, we’ve got a theme going. I know, show don’t tell, but lately, that hasn’t worked well for me. Some of you are absolutely thrilled with the change of seasons, not me.

Oh sure, I love Halloween. I mean, who doesn’t love costumes and candy. If you don’t, you are a savage.

Cha Cha Cha Changes

By Ronda Simmons

Originally posted October 16, 2019

It’s autumn when we witness the return of Ugg boots, infinity scarves, and pumpkin spice lattes. There is something about the change of seasons, especially when summer gives way to fall, which gives my writing a kick-start.

In the summer, it’s easy to justify not writing. It’s too hot, too humid, and too vacation-y. Fall marks the beginning of the school year (even though I graduated decades ago) and suddenly it’s not such a chore to sit and work.

But first, a PSL.

Our Perceptions: In Writing, As Readers, And in Life

By Eleanor Shelton

Originally posted October 9, 2019

Do you remember a year or more ago when a dress that some said was blue and black others said was white and gold? Or how about those tennis shoes that looked pink to some and grey to others? It’s kind of freaky if you think about how we can see one thing and assume that we are right and others are wrong.

Embracing Change

By Laura Mahal

Originally posted October 3, 2019

The 2019 NCW anthology—Rise!—was recently released. Within its covers, readers will find pieces of incredible depth and beauty, with themes of resilience, adaptation, and the relationships that bring us grief, joy, and wisdom.

Change is an ever-present force in our lives. Whether we rage against it or embrace it, change impacts all of us.

Getting The Juices Flowing

By David E. Sharp

Originally posted September 26, 2019

Writers have an endless list of strategies for jogging their creativity and stretching their imaginations. Writing prompts, character development exercises, free-flow sessions, and the like are all great. But I also like to step away from the desk and sharpen my creative skills in another way.

Warming Up

By Ronda Simmons

Originally posted September 19, 2019

Professional football players warm-up before every game or practice. So do rock climbers, Little Leaguers, dancers and anyone else whose work or art is physical. Increasing heart rates improves your circulation. Stronger blood flow delivers more oxygen to the brain and body and gets the fluids moving to lubricate joints. It readies them for physical activity and prevents injuries.