writing advice

How to Be a Better Writer: Cultivate Curiosity

March 14, 2017 By Erin Beasley

An article at PBS explains how to raise curious kids, noting that curiosity can improve academic performance. A fair and good point, but kids aren’t the only ones who need “to be raised.” Adults do, too. They sometimes forget that curiosity is an excellent quality, in all fields of study and all stages of life. It creates excitement and allows a person to laugh with delight at the smallest of things. It causes people to try new things and to spend time learning about a subject.

How to be a Better Writer: Set a Standard

March 8, 2017 By Erin Beasley

I ruined steak for my brother when I split a Ruth’s Chris gift card with him. He took one bite of a Ruth’s Chris steak, and he was done, forever. Literally slayed in the seat. Agog with wonder that a steak, a steak, could taste that good.

How to Be a Better Writer: Erase Excess

February 15, 2017 By Erin Beasley

If you want to be a better writer, you must learn to let go of the words. Think of the process as being like teaching a kid to ride a bike. You would hold onto the back of the seat for a time, but eventually, you would release it. The kid must wobble and find the way to balance on his or her own power.

How to Be a Better Writer: Tend Your Words

February 7, 2017 By Erin Beasley

All sorts of analogies apply to the writing life, and this week’s involves gardening. It’s a strange comparison to make because, with the exception of some tea roses, I own the slightest of slight green thumbs. I love flower and vegetable gardens, but I lack the patience and desire to care for them.

How to Be a Better Writer: Get into Trouble

February 1, 2017 By Erin Beasley

“Writers are troublemakers.” — Meg Gardiner, author, CreativeMornings (Austin)

Good writers employ solid plot structures and interesting characters. Better writers tweak the models. That is, they get into trouble. They twist fate, upset the predictable plot line, use present tense instead of the standard past, or create empathy for the most dastardly of villains.

Why You Need a Writing Rhythm

October 27, 2016 By Erin Beasley

When it comes to creating online content, the word “rhythm” sometimes seems to connote consistency. “You should publish content regularly,” says the great and mighty they, “so that you’ll rank, readers will visit, et cetera, et cetera.” I don’t necessarily have a problem with the statement — publishing content on a consistent basis helps with SEO and creates audience expectations — but I think of “rhythm” in a different way.

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