It’s officially 2020, and I’m back to blogging! Today’s topic was entirely unexpected. After cutting over 16,000 words from THE FIRE BREATHES and doing an absurd amount of line edits, I was finally ready to start querying—armed with existential dread, encouraging critique partners, and a querying group chat of constructive feedback and support along the way. About a week ago, … Read More
THE LAST OF US is a Masterclass in POV
When discussing point of view (POV) in storytelling, we often default to literature. In today’s blog post, I’m here to argue that a video game—Naughty Dog’s since-remastered 2013 release, THE LAST OF US—provides a masterclass in how to leverage POV effectively, regardless of the medium in which you’re writing. Let’s start with the nitty-gritty: What’s POV, anyway? According to Reedsy, … Read More
So I’m Querying: A Publishing Journey Update
This is not the blog I intended to write this week. I was going to continue the series of writing lessons learned from video games, but as it turns out, there’s something more important and closer to my heart to discuss this week—so with a deep breath and a pounding pulse, here goes nothing. I’m going into the query trenches. … Read More
Character Development in Gaming & Writing
Last week, we looked at how video games develop character backstory, vary worldbuilding and balance action and reaction scenes. That blog post received more views in two days than any of my other posts so far. (Thank you so much to anyone who read and/or shared!) As a result, I couldn’t help but expand the topic into a series about … Read More
3 Writing Lessons Learned from Video Games
If you want to be a writer, the advice goes, then you need to read widely and regularly. That’s true, but I’d argue that there are also lessons to be learned from what’s often dismissed as a shallow pastime: video games. When I’m not writing, editing, or thinking about writing/editing, I often wander back to my trusty PlayStation 4. Very … Read More
Just Start Writing: The Existential Fear of New Ideas
Two weeks ago, I concluded the #NaNoWriMo tips blog series. If you missed it, I discussed outlining plot, designing characters, constructing setting, and achieving your word count goals. Suddenly, I’m faced with countless possibilities for what to cover next; simultaneously, I’m approaching final edits on my YA fantasy, THE FIRE BREATHES, and I’ve started outlining the sequel. As a result, … Read More
5 Tips You Need To Know Before #NaNoWriMo
Friday is the first day of #NaNoWriMo, which means this is the last entry in the National Novel Writing Month blog series of tips & tricks! So far, you’ve learned about outlining plot, character design, and immersive setting. This week, with NaNo lurking just around the corner, I’m sticking to general tips for achieving that sweet, sweet 50,000 word count … Read More
Top 5 Worldbuilding Tips for Conquering #NaNoWriMo
Welcome back to the National Novel Writing Month blog series! In previous entries, you’ve explored the importance of outlining your plot and your characters. There’s only two more Mondays before #NaNoWriMo participants break from the starting line, hotly pursuing the elusive 50,000-word finish line. Now is the time to design your setting—before your daily word count looms over your creativity. … Read More
How to Develop Dynamic Characters for #NaNoWriMo
The “Star Wars” films (and books, and games, and beyond) feature laser swordfights in space. They include creatures that range from reptilian Rodians to (unfortunately) gangly Gungans. But chances are, when you think of the galaxy far, far away, you think of Luke Skywalker, staring hopefully at the twin suns, or Princess Leia, vaulting into the garbage chute instead of … Read More
Young Writers, This Blog is for You
Hello, reader. I’m Laura Genn. I have a story to tell—but more importantly, so do you. This blog is for both the electric moment that you conceptualize your hero and the painful sizzle of your motivation. It’s for lending wings to your dreams and ensuring that they can actually fly. It’s for the magic and the mess, the writing and … Read More