Time and Word Count

Time is a tricky thing, especially in writing. Even in real life, time seems to move more slowly for someone who is bored, but flicks past in an eyeblink if someone is absorbed or fascinated. This can leave writers in a bit of a pickle—they want the

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Stretching

Famous last words: “I’m going to write something stretchy.” Good for you. Now, what do you mean by “something stretchy,” and exactly how are you going to do it? My definition of “something stretchy” is something I’m not sure I know how to do, and that I’m

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Andromeda and More Stakes

Lots of writers have a problem figuring out what the actual stakes are (as opposed to the perceived stakes). Quick review: the actual stakes are what’s really at stake for the character; the perceived stakes are what the character currently thinks is at stake. One reason for

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Cliches and tropes

One of the questions that came up in comments recently was “What’s the difference between a cliché and a trope?” The simple and obvious answer is “The way the words are currently used on the Internet, not much.” But there’s a bit more to it than that.

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Moving on

Having spent the weekend being very thoroughly distracted by my 40th college reunion (at which they gave me a Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, much to my astonishment [and thank you to everyone who worked on that]), I didn’t have a lot prepared for today’s blog. So I

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Crossovers

“Crossover” is one of those writing terms that has multiple meanings, depending on to whom you’re talking and what you’re talking about. In fanfiction, for instance, it refers to a story that includes characters from totally different series or settings – Superman shows up in “Romeo and

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