Vivian Lee Mahoney Consider Yourself Warned: I Write Books About Rebels
Author Archive
Martha Alderson: Empowering Writing Secrets from The Plot Whisperer
As many of you know, from time to time, I like sharing writing tips and writing inspiration on my blog. Well, today, I’ve got a bit of both. Martha Alderson, aka The Plot Whisperer, is here! Martha has been touring the blogosphere these past two weeks, sharing her knowledge and spreading the word about her new [...]
Beth Kephart, A Treasure Hunt, and You Are My Only
As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of Beth Kephart. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Beth’s blog yet, I’ll gently urge you to GO. As I wrote in my interview with Beth a few years ago (on my HipWriterMama blog), “Beth has an incredible gift of seeing the little things that matter. [...]
In Which He Dared to “Think Different” and Changed the World
“A writer who is a real writer is a rebel who never stops.” – William Saroyan It’s been awhile since I last posted anything on my blog. I wish I could say my absence is due to all the work I’ve accomplished on my manuscript. But in truth, it’s kind of due to my worries, [...]
Steve Jobs: Connect the Dots, Do What You Love, Follow Your Heart and Intuition
Steve Jobs is quite an interesting man. Whether you like what he’s done or not, you have to agree, he has accomplished incredible things in his life. At a young age, Jobs did what he wanted to do–he followed his heart. While in high school, Jobs worked summers at Hewlett-Packard with Steve Wozniak. He attended Reed College [...]
James Scott Bell on Writing Through Frustration
This pretty much sums up where I am right now. PB is kicking me in the butt right now and I’m fighting through the painful middle of a new project. But, I’m going to work through it. The kids start school in FOUR days. Hopefully, there will be a little more quiet time to write. [...]
Inspiration Monday: Dream Big and Work It, Baby
Sometimes it’s easy to just let the Magic 8 Ball make your decisions…but sometimes, we need to take matters in our own hands and work it, no matter what. These quotes are for those times we’d rather take control. What are you going to do today to reach your goals? Nothing will ever be attempted [...]
Sir Ken Robinson TED Talk: Creativity is as Important as Education
I dug up this post and thought I’d share it again…hope you take the time to watch this brilliant video. Thanks to Robin Brande for finding these words of wisdom. Sir Ken Robinson is funny, engaging and wise. Take the time to listen to him. It’s worth your time, and even better, it may very [...]
Writing Tip: The Plot Whisperer
Have you heard of The Plot Whisperer? If you haven’t, pay attention very carefully. Martha Alderson, AKA The Plot Whisperer, put together an excellent series of videos: How to Plot a Novel, Memoir, Screenplay. Whether you’ve always wanted to take a writing class, or simply need a refresher, Martha Alderson will teach you how to plot. Take [...]
2011 Summer Blog Blast Tour (SBBT) Schedule
It’s time for the 2011 Summer Blog Blast Tour! We have twenty great interviews scheduled throughout the week. Check out the schedule! Colleen Ray is managing the SBBT Master Schedule. Go on over and check it out. Enjoy! Monday, July 11, 2011: Tara Altebrando at Chasing Ray Shirley Vernick at Bildungsroman Jack Ferraiolo at The Happy Nappy [...]
SBBT Interview: The Power of Change with Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
I am so pleased to welcome Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich to my blog. Olugbemisola, known to her friends as Gbemi, wrote a wonderful middle grade book about a boy who dares to make a difference, called 8th GRADE SUPERZERO. Talk about a smart read, with plenty of humor and heart! Do not be fooled into thinking this is [...]
Writing Inspiration: Becoming a Writer by Junot Diaz
“You see, in my view a writer is a writer not because she writes well and easily, because she has amazing talent, because everything she does is golden. In my view a writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, even when nothing you do shows any sign of promise, you keep [...]
Writing Tip: Building a World of Characters
Choose Me! Choose Me! I’ve been writing like crazy. The kids are out of school in two weeks and it’s time to really get in as much writing as I can to reach my 30 day goal. I have to admit, it’s not easy to write 1,000 words every day. Even though I missed a [...]
Writing Tip: A Character, a Personality and a Name
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet.” –From Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii) I fell in love with Shakespeare when I was in middle school. While my friends groaned at the very thought of having to plod through the thick plays, I [...]
Writing Tip: Add Lots of Conflict, Baby
The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. – M. [...]
Introduction to The Hero’s Journey
[Another repost for folks working on a new WIP for the 30 Day Goal...] Hey, have you seen this YouTube video of The Hero’s Journey? Christopher Vogler, creator of The Writer’s Journey for screenwriters, talks about The Hero’s Journey for the movie, The Matrix. If you want a quick synopsis of The Hero’s Journey, watch [...]
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Make a Good First Impression
[Note: Since many of you are working on a new WIP for the 30 day goal, thought I'd repost this writing prompt. Enjoy your weekend!] ———— Let’s face it. Good impressions are important. But, some people may claim it’s superficial and unfair. After all, isn’t it what’s inside that counts anyway? For the most part, [...]
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: The Power of Flexibility
Sometimes, life hands you lemons, no matter how well you’ve planned out your ______ (day, week, life, party, prom, etc). Even though you want to ______ (cry, hurl, crawl underneath your covers, pull out your hair and scream, etc), be _______ (careful, positive, flexible, etc). No good will come from _______ (complaining, whining, wishing everything [...]
Writing: It’s ALL About Plot Outlines
Today, it’s all about PLOT OUTLINES. A good plot has a few ingredients that help make it a success: characters the reader can care about and identify with, engaging dialogue, interesting conflicts or obstacles, good sub-plots, the enticing pivotal moment, and the all-important wrapping up the loose ends. What’s the best way to figure out [...]
A Bright, Shiny Idea is Born. Now What?
Last week, I came up with a new idea for a manuscript. I’m a bit frustrated with my YA historical magical realism project and decided to work on the first draft of a new WIP (MG realistic fiction) for my 30 day goal. Thanks to the internet, I’ve discovered plenty of interesting facts for my [...]
Another Day, Another Step Forward
Another 1,000 words. Life is good. I’m going to keep going and finish up this chapter before the end of the day. Man, new WIP’s are awesome. Nothing like starting a new project. How are you doing on your 30 day goal? (#30daygoal on twitter) Vivian Lee MahoneyConsider yourself warned: I write books about rebels. [...]
Inspiration Monday: Create New Habits for Success: 30 Day Challenge
Hey, did I get your attention? A 30 Day Challenge? Is this for real? Only if you want to go the distance with me. The fabulous 3 prize combination package: A productive new habit for you; Increased motivation to reach your goal; and A finished first draft. Tempting, isn’t it? I’ve heard somewhere that if [...]
Connect the Dots, Do What You Love, Follow Your Heart and Intuition
Steve Jobs is quite an interesting man. Whether you like him or not, you have to agree, he has accomplished incredible things in his life. Did you know Jobs was 21, when he co-founded Apple? No college degree. No money. Just pure drive, determination, smarts and a dream. Jobs was the 2005 Commencement Speaker at [...]
Writing Tip: Getting In The Mood
Writing is hard work. For me anyway. It is tough creating meaning out of a jumbled assortment of words. Very tough. One. Word. At. A. Time. Tough. Whether I commit 15 minutes or three hours to writing, I need to make sure I’m focused and in the mood. Otherwise, I’m staring into a blank screen [...]
Writing Tip: Annie Dillard and the Writing Life by Alexander Chee
You must read this incredible essay by Alexander Chee. It will change the way you look at your writing. Read the essay. Then, start writing. Vivian Lee MahoneyConsider yourself warned: I write books about rebels. I’m also a postergirlz for readergirlz, a literary advisory group for teens. Who knew going back to the teenage [...]
RSS
Twitter
GoodReads
Pinterest