Daily Jots » How To

How to Write a Mystery Novel

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:51:05 +0000

“There are a lot of elements to writing a mystery. These tips should help you brainstorm! You’ll see I’ve included all the steps you’ll need to create a story full of surprise and suspense. Read through them, and start making notes for your mystery.”

And we know that the brainstorming part is the most fun. Sometimes, I would rather do the planning and then hand it over to someone else to write.

Source

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Making Writing Fun for Kids

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 19:34:36 +0000

A lot of people might not agree with me, but I think that if you can make writing fun for kids, a lot more of them just might find that they enjoy it. My two think of writing as work! Somewhere along the line, they missed the fun part!

A few years ago, I taught a creative writing course to a gifted class in our local school and the kids had the most fun when I made up little projects for them. One day I filled a paper bag with a lot of bits and pieces and told them to weave a story around the items in the bag. The stories that were turned in were amazing!

That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw this piece of software.

More blogs by S.P. Bragg
*Aging Fabulous
*Her Accessories
*Shopaholics Daily
*Southern Byways
*Daily Jots

Story Wizard – Creative Writing Software for Kids

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Today’s Question

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 17:32:13 +0000

When was the last time you organized your books. The reason I’m asking is because I was just standing in front of my book case looking for a particular book and I simply couldn’t find it. I know that it is there, I simply couldn’t locate it. I’m going to have to spend some time today trying to come up with some sort of organization that will prevent this from happening.

*Home Organizing Idea Book

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How to make a Snowcat

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:27:39 +0000

Everyone makes snowmen, so for today, I thought that I would see if I could find a how to on something just a little different. And this is what I found… a snowcat. Now get out there and build yourself one. Chances are, your yard will be the only one featuring a snowcat instead of a snowman! It will be sure to catch a little attention.

Directions

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How To Make Small Talk

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:23:18 +0000

I don’t know why this is so hard, but having a lesson or two would have made certain parties that I have attended a whole lot easier to get through. Why is it that certain people leave you tongue tied, when there are other times when you simply can’t shut up??

Talk to Me: Conversation Tips for the Small-Talk Challenged

How To Make Small Talk

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Managing Your Time and Being a Writer

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 19:11:57 +0000

Well actually the idea of managing your time could apply to everyone, not just the writer. I guess the more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s not about managing time so much as learning to manage ourselves. That is the key and I noticed it even more so while on holiday. I am definitely a person who is governed by routine. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing!

*A Writer’s Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life

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100 Words – January 2nd

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:02:03 +0000

Yes, I came into my office before I even went down to breakfast. My brain feels a bit muddy this morning and I needed a bit of inspiration before I start blogging. I clicked on “StumbleUpon” and sure enough it took me straight to a site that talks about writing 100 words a day… no more and no less. The site even gives you little “stories” completed in yes… 100 words.

Now if you took that idea for each blog… sort of brainstorming, I don’t think that you would have a problem coming up with something to write about each day.

And it all starts with 100 words which is about 4 lines in length! I think that I can do that!

100 Words

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What a writer needs…

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:11:06 +0000

PATIENCE… which I have very little of these days, but then I read this.

If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much.
Hesiod

So, for all of you who have a novel inside of you, maybe this is the way to get it finished.

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A Catless Writer…

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:04:58 +0000

“A catless writer is almost inconceivable. It’s a perverse taste, really, since it would be easier to write with a herd of buffalo in the room than even one cat; they make nests in the notes and bite the end of the pen and walk on the typewriter keys.”

Barbara Holland

Does this ring true?? I for one, have not even one pet in the house. A puppy… now that would be a big mistake for me. They are just soooo darn cute, I would be too busy playing to get any work done!

Now put me in a restaurant with a cup of coffee and tons of people and the thoughts fly!

*How to Write a Damn Good Novel: A Step-by-Step No Nonsense Guide to Dramatic Storytelling (How to Write a Damn Good Novel)

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Want to be a writer??

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 09:57:14 +0000

While I was sitting in the mall yesterday, I think the caffeine kicked in and an idea for a novel just popped into my head. But having no patience, I think that I would need help! I have heard about these 30 day novel ideas and always wondered what I could turn out in that short a time. Might be perfect for the writer with no patience!

No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days

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