By Hal Blythe and Charlie Sweet The key to creating the unexpected character, setting or plot is that you control reader response. If your readers feel superior to your story, if they believe they can anticipate not only the story’s larger direction but also the smaller elements of description, characterization and plot, they won’t turn …
Commandment I. Thou shalt not sprinkle characters into a preconceived plot lest thou produce hackwork. In the beginning was the character, then the word, and from the character’s words is brought forth action. Commandment II. Thou shalt imbue thy heroes with faults and thy villains with charm, for it is the faults of the hero …
My Earliest Years Full name? Born in? Parents’ names? What number was I among my brothers and sisters? Where did the family live at that time? What are some of my earliest memories? Do I remember my favorite toys, pets, games? Are there any photos of me as a young child? How did I look? …
My Life – Writing Your Life Stories the Easy Way Read More »
Write what you see Find something in your environment that you can look at and study from time to time – a favorite tree, sculpture, building, mountain, lake, garden, or street corner, for example. Twice each season, look at this and write what you see. Be sure to notice with all five senses – what …
by Barbara McCalister as originally published in The Sassafras Literary Exchange Newsletter; vol 1, no 1; January 1987 Writing letters should be an important part of every writer’s life. Since writing is putting your thoughts and ideas on paper, what better way to practice your skills than by communicating with friends and relatives? Personal letters should …
by Cordia Byers as originally published in The Sassafras Literary Exchange Newsletter; vol 1, no 1; January 1987 In 1981 the Sassafras Literary Exchange began with a small group of Pickens County residents who were interested in writing and reading. At first it was solely a support group but within a few months had branched …
