Between the news, social media, family, and friends, there’s a lot to distract us from our writing, especially when we’re on deadline. How do you stay focused and on task in the midst of everything else that’s going on? How do you know when it’s time to just take a break? We’ll talk about it next week, on Sunday, September 3rd, at 7pmET/4pmPT on #RWchat.
We talk a lot about hooks as writers, but we’re also subject to hooks from the reader perspective. When you’re reading a blurb and you get that feeling of “Yes! This book! I have to read it!” that’s a hook at work.
So let’s talk about how we can utilize strong hooks to our advantage as writers, in our stories and in our marketing.
Join us Sunday, August 27th for #RWchat at 7pmET/4pmPT.
You know the feeling.
You’re on a roll. Or you’re on deadline. You’re living and breathing the story as your schedule allows. And then…burnout.
Whether it manifests for you as writer’s block, sickness, physical pain, or just mental exhaustion, burnout is something we need to watch out for no matter where we are in our writing careers.
Join us next Sunday, August 20th, to discuss what burnout is, how to avoid it, and how to deal when it inevitably happens.
If you weren’t able to catch last Sunday’s chat on hitting goals and next steps, RWchat co-host C.L. Polk created a Storify highlight reel. We celebrated each other’s writing career accomplishments and talked about leveling up. We also discussed reassessing goals and methods, to make sure we’re still going after what we want in ways that are healthy and effective.
Our next chat is about writing strong settings! See you then.
This week on #RWchat, we’re talking about writing strong settings. Regular participant Kate McMurray (What’s the Use of Wondering?) teaches workshops on setting, including one that starts today, so we asked her to write a guest post for us on the power of setting. Take it away, Kate!
When we talk about craft, we often talk about plot and character, and these are of course vital parts of any novel. But so is setting, which I think often gets overlooked in the planning phase. I’d argue that setting is just as important as plot and character, and that the intersection of these three ideas is what we call story.
Your setting shouldn’t be incidental, in other words. Where and when the story takes place has to be the only place and time that your story could take place. It should influence the plot and characters. It should be a living, breathing part of the story.
Graphic by Alexis Daria
A romance is a romance no matter where is takes place, right? It’s timeless. So does setting really matter? Without a doubt, yes. Where and when a novel takes place is vital to the plot and characters. Setting can create tension, add wonder and even serve as a character in the story. It can supports a novel, makes it richer and unforgettable.
Come chat about how you do your settings and learn how others do it too. Sunday 4pm PT / 7pm ET.
We talk a lot about goal setting. But what happens after you’ve set your goal and met your goal? How do you determine what your next steps should be? In Sunday’s chat, we’ll talk about continuing growth and implementing the lessons learned along the way.
Join us Sunday, August 6th, at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
See you then!
Romance Writers Chat 