Vivian Lee Mahoney Consider Yourself Warned: I Write Books About Rebels
Writing
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Writer’s Tip: Read, Read, Read
Here’s a simple writing tip: Read. Read as many books as possible in the genre you’re interested in. And then read other genres, even though they aren’t as appealing. And then, keep reading. Read. Read. Read. Here are just a few things I learn from reading: 1. I get a sense of what other people [...]
Perfecting My Rebel Yell
It’s been awhile since I last posted. I’ve had a few challenges with PB, enough to almost make me decide I’ve had enough, that this dream of writing is simply not meant to be. But, as we all know from movies, books, and yes, especially in real life, there’s always a defining moment, a challenge [...]
Writing Tip: Hold Fast to Your Imagination
These past couple of months have been upside down for me in terms of my writing. It’s been quite like dancing…you know the drill…glide one step forward, leap two steps back. Frankly, it’s exhausting, but I keep writing through the challenges because I love writing and my manuscript. This weather, however, is enough to drive [...]
Summoning the Plot Ninjas…Want One?
Want one? Even better, how about a team of four Plot Ninjas, headed up by the PLOT NINJA, and accompanied by CONFLICT, GOALS, THEME and the ever important TWIST? (turn the PLOT NINJA around and lo! The TWIST!) Let these ninjas guard your computer and act as a silent reminder of what you need to [...]
Inspirational TEDtalk with Charity Tillemann-Dick
Guys, guys! This TEDtalk by Charity Tillemann-Dick, is incredible. Talk about inspiration, resilience, and passion. She’s rather emotional throughout her talk, but once you watch it, you’ll understand. Feel down in the dumps about your work? This is a MUCH WATCH, a catharsis if you will, to get you moving towards AND reaching your dream. [...]
Writing: Baby Steps Gone Wild
It’s been a long time since I had a good writing day. It makes me sad. And a little bit anxious. This isn’t a healthy state for any writer. So, today is the day I shake things up. Thank you, Shaun Meeks, for stirring the pot. I’m writing 5,000 words today. It will probably take [...]
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Visualize and BE
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” -Epictetus I love this quote. Isn’t it the perfect mantra to remember when working on all those New Year’s Resolutions? Okay. Maybe you’re not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. What if we keep the peace and call them [...]
Write-a-Scene Writing Prompt: Using the Green-Eyed Monster for the Greater Good
My Dad called because he was concerned about my lack of blog posts. Apparently, he was worried I’d lost a little of my writing mojo. *sigh* So true. What with getting things ready for Christmas, end-of -year school projects, writing not writing, and reflecting back on goals accomplished in 2010…well, it’s enough to… *ahem* So [...]
Guest Post Over at Shrinking Violet Promotions
In case you missed it, I’m guest blogging over at the incredible Shrinking Violet Promotions blog. Ack! I’d love it if you stopped by and checked out the thoughtful discussion: SVP Online Persona Workshop Week Nine: More On How To Find Your Peeps. See you there! Vivian Lee MahoneyConsider yourself warned: I write books about rebels. I’m [...]
Writing Tip: Edit with the Stealth of a Ninja
Today’s editing wisdom of the day… Write with your heart and soul; edit with the stealth of a ninja. Amazing the things I come up with, when I should be slicing the fat from PB. Why is it so hard? It’s just words, right? Aargh! What are your writing challenges? Vivian Lee MahoneyConsider yourself [...]
Writing Inspiration: The Power of Language, Aimee Mullins TED Talk
[tweetmeme] “Our language defines our thinking…” Meet Aimee Mullins: Choose your words wisely and you will unleash the power of imagination. Now go follow your dream. You CAN do it. 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 [...]
Writing Tool: The Joy of Scrivener
[tweetmeme] You guys! Have you seen Scrivener 2.0 for the Mac? I HEART Scrivener and this new version makes me even more weak at the knees. Not sure whether I’ll need every single thing Scrivener 2.0 has to offer, but I’ll be able to customize it to the way I work, which is key. If [...]
Friday Five: What I Learned From My Three Day Novel Experiment
[tweetmeme] Man. I hoped all of you would have forgotten about my Three Day Novel Experiment by now, but apparently, time did not favor me this time around. But, you all are just so awesome, you know? You cheered me on and left encouraging notes throughout my posts…all of your support meant so much. And [...]
The Nature of Experiments
[tweetmeme] Sometimes they work. And, sometimes they fail. Of course it’s been over a month since I last wrote on this blog (*hangs head in shame*)…perhaps you’re no longer interested in reading about my Three Day Novel Experiment. What say you? Vivian Lee MahoneyConsider yourself warned: I write books about rebels. I’m also a postergirlz [...]
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