Writing Roots

Dialogue tags are one of the more controversial and debated topics in the writing world. Some say they shouldn’t be needed at all while others say action tags are the best. One camp in this debate, though, is based on a myth. “Said is dead” is a common phrase shared often by those who want their writing to be more grandiose. In most cases, though, if you must have a dialogue tag without action, th...

If you are writing non-fiction, the common phrase to “write what you know” is actually sound advice. You need to be an expert if you are going to advise others on a certain topic. However, this is often wrong if you want to write fiction. There are so many instances in fiction that require authors to work outside their expertise. To learn something new and explore topics they had never thought int...

Venturing into the world of writing can be overwhelming. New authors are accosted with dos and don’ts at every turn. They must have this. Must do that. Can never do whatever that is. It’s daunting when all the writer wants to do is write. While some of the common phrases and beliefs have good roots, they are either flat out wrong or misunderstood and applied in the wrong ways. Throughout March, we...

One of the best ways to keep the pacing up while adding filler to the middle of a book is to add some kind of fight. While it can be an argument, throwing fists can be great to release some of the building tension – or add to it. We brought in Carla Hoch of Fight Write, a resource for authors to help them write better fight scenes, to discuss how to best add a scene. She talks about how to carry o...

As we reach the end of the second act, it’s time to ramp up the preparations for the final conflict. While this changes vastly depending on the genre, the end of the second act should always result in the main character’s darkest hour. It’s the time where all hope seems extinguished from the world and the villain seems to be assured in their victory. This episode reviews some of the common ways to...

Conflict can help propel the middle of the book forward while actively setting up for the final confrontation. While sometimes it can be external, you can also use internal conflicts caused by a bad decision. Any time a leader chooses to act too rashly, too soon, or without enough consideration, it can lead to disaster. Other times it can simply be the bureaucracy involved that slows the process o...

If you find yourself in middle of your manuscript wondering what could possibly happen to get things moving, you might consider an act of god. This doesn’t have to mean a literal god in your story reaching down and changing something, though that is possible. Acts of god, like natural disasters, weather, and other elements outside of the control of mortal beings, can create hurdles and roadblocks...

No matter the genre, using scenes that focus on character emotions can help drive a plot through the second act. Sometimes this comes with romantic dates that end in mishaps or misery. Sometimes it means a character gets drunk or otherwise inhibited and reveals a secret. Either of these devices can give authors more depth to the story, to the characters, and to the plot. In this episode, Ley and L...

What can be better for the middle of Act II than a party? Holidays and events are a wonderful way to add some depth to the world while giving the characters something to work towards. Festivities can also give characters a new setting for different kinds interaction. Leigh and Ley discuss different kinds of holidays, how they usually get started, and how you can use earthly holidays to help create...

One way to help the process of writing the second act is to have a casting change of some kind. This could be bringing back a character introduced early in the book, adding a new character, or even removing one from the story. It’s difficult, though, to make a change in the characters seem natural. In this episode, we discuss ways to shift around the cast in ways that will add to the story rather...

Every character has a secret. Sometimes it’s something they know about another, and sometimes it’s about themselves. Using these secrets during the second act can help give the plot direction and conflict to build towards the final confrontation. Continuing our series on finding prompts for Act Two of a three-act structure, hosts Leigh and Ley discuss the use of secrets, how they can come out, and...

The most challenging part of writing a novel is often the middle. It’s find the pieces to keep the plot moving forward without simply skipping to the end. Throughout February, we will be talking about writing prompts and devices that can be used to spur any writer on, whether or not they keep the scene in the final edit. Footholds are the first step to any scene that fills the middle of a book. Th...

It’s no secret to anyone that listens to this podcast that Brandon Sanderson is Leigh’s favorite author, but he also has a lot of advice to help new authors. While he’s creating worlds with depth and beauty, he also spends time to help writers expand their abilities. From a podcast to a university class, he’s made sure there are ample resources for anyone wanting to dive into creating fantasy work...

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, his influence expanding beyond just his works alone. His writing is as straightforward as his advice for writers. We review some of that advice and break down how it applies to modern writers. First aired January 28, 2021. The post S18E8 – Pearls from the Masters: Ernest Hemingway appeared first on Writing Roots .

Two of the greatest fantasy writers came from the same writing group. Not only that, but they were known friends as they worked on their individual stories and books. J.R.R Tokein is best known for The Lord of the Rings and the rest of the Middle Earth universe. C.S. Lewis, while he has many philosophical or theological writings, is known in the fantasy world for The Chronicles of Narnia series. I...

Agatha Christie is among the greatest mystery authors of all time. Her stories, though around 100 years old, are still loved and well-read today. Part of that was her ability to weave a mystery that keeps the reader intrigued and wondering. She also shared advice and revealed her own writing process that is still useful for new authors. Leigh and Ley share those and discuss why it’s useful advice...

While Aristotle is more well-known for his philosophical ideas, he also has many memorable and applicable quotes to writing today. Storytelling in Greece during Aristotle’s time was largely done through theater. Modern patterns for tragedies, dramas, and comedies can all trace their roots to Greek theater. Aristotle helped define what makes a good play, from the plot to the characters. Leigh and L...

No one is as economical with words quite like an action author. Among the best of them is Lee Child, known for his Jack Reacher series. His writing is succinct and straight forward even as he lays out a mystery and plot that can entice the readers. For this episode, we take a look at the advice he’s given and how it can be applied in our own writing. First aired January 14, 2021. The post S18E4 –...

One author with almost endless advice for those getting started in their writing careers is Neil Gaiman. Many of his books and other works are lauded for their creativity and humor, and many have been made into movies or shows as a result. Much of the advice he gives, though, is to encourage writers to embrace their craft, for there is always something important in storytelling, no matter the kind...

Masters of the writing craft come in all forms and all genres. While much of his popularity was gained as a vlogger, John Green was first an award-winning author. His unique connection to a younger audience helped him gain popularity for his Young Adult fiction. Though he hasn’t published many books in total, his advice can be invaluable for all authors. In this episode, we take a look at his advi...

When learning to write, one of the best ways to improve is to look to the ones who have gone before. Like an apprentice blacksmith, new writers can rely on the masters of the writing craft. One of the most common modern authors that has helped guide the apprentices is Stephen King. From finding influence in his own work to reading On Writing, hundreds of authors find his words of wisdom to be beac...

There is so much advice out there for writers. Some of it is good, some of it is great, and some of it is terrible. However, not all advice can be applied across the board for every writer. There are style differences, genre expectations, and simple author quirks that make each author a unique being in how they go about writing. But while advice can’t be just applied at face value every time, ther...

Starting is the hardest part about writing a novel. You have so many ideas swirling around in your head, but the question remains of how to even get those first words on the paper. The answer is different depending where you are in your own writing journey. From starting with nothing as a first-time author, to having the experience and knowledge of a five-time author. We break down what you need t...

There are all kinds of things that can keep someone from writing. There’s not enough time. Other things need to take priority. Inspiration or the muses have not struck yet. The next scene is difficult. And the list goes on. Trust us, we know each of these from experience. Often times, though, we take all of things and lump them under the category of “writer’s block.” In this episode, we explore di...

Any book taking place in the real world – especially those in the modern era – will have mentions and references that anchor them into a timeline. That can be anything from mentioning the type of phone they’re using (is it a flip phone or a smart phone?) to dropping actual names of people or things. There is a common question we see a lot, especially from anyone wanting to start writing something...