Tag Archives: writing craft
What’s in a Name? Titling a Book
Confession: I dread coming up with titles. It’s hard in part because so much is riding on it: not only does every book or short story need a title, but the title is an essential part of the book’s first … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 3: Creating Continuity
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 2: Managing Plot and Character
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
So You Want to Write a Book Series Part 1: Choosing a Structure
I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about the importance of writing book series to gain and keep readers, especially as an independent author. But what they don’t often discuss is how to write a great book series, one that … Continue reading
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 3: Interstellar Relations
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade (coming … Continue reading
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 2: Culture and Society
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens*. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade (coming … Continue reading
Why You Should Create Ugly Characters
Bear with me. Anyone who’s watched any Hollywood release or network television series in the past, well, ever, knows that lookism is a powerful force. It shapes not only the actors chosen to play leading roles, but also the types … Continue reading
Caitlin McKenna
Writing Convincing Aliens Part 1: Biology and Ecology
This series is intended to help writers brainstorm the elements that go into creating convincing aliens*. It can also be applied to creating convincing nonhuman fantasy creatures, artificial intelligences, and so on. My science fiction novel, Absence of Blade (coming … Continue reading →