can't help telling stories
Tropes came up in conversation during a TV show we were watching last night. I’ve generally thought of them as something to avoid or twist. This essay describes a trope that has been common — but is changing — in fantasy. It’s a trope writers of any genre could help to change.
Move over HP Lovecraft, black fantasy writers are coming through | Books | The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/09/move-over-hp-lovecraft-black-fantasy-writers-are-coming-through
At first glance, this article seems to have nothing to do with writing. But that’s not true.
First, it’s a nicely written piece for a speciality market, the sort of thing any writer who wants to make money could put together.
But second, it’s full of great business tips. Substitute editor (or sometimes agent) for interior designer and reread the piece for some valuable insights.
10 Things Interior Decorators Don’t Want You To Know
http://freshome.com/2014/12/08/10-things-interior-decorators-dont-want-you-to-know/
With multiple musicians in my family, I was instantly drawn to these writing tips. The music comparisons are just a new way to look at suggestions we’ve heard, but isn’t that just what we all want? — the inspiration to see a life and tell its story in a new way.
Writer Unboxed » 5 Writing Lessons from a Vocal Coach
http://writerunboxed.com/2014/12/07/5-writing-lessons-from-a-vocal-coach/
Katherine Patterson says story is more important than message, among other things, in this NPR interview.
Interview: Katherine Paterson, Author Of ‘Stories Of My Life’ : NPR
http://www.npr.org/2014/12/07/368020910/author-of-bridge-to-terabithia-messages-are-poison-to-fiction
Here’s a list of nominees for a new YA book prize. One must be a resident of the UK or Ireland to be entered, so not all English-language writers qualify. But I think there is always something to be gleaned from nominated books.
How, I wonder, do they stack up from a kids’ — albeit US — perspective? The findings from this study provide the perspective.
The Bookseller YA Book Prize shortlist announced | Waterstones Blog
http://www.waterstones.com/blog/2014/12/the-bookseller-ya-book-prize-shortlist-announced-2/
sharon p. lynn 