Creative Writing Blog

Aug 14, 2020

Clocks Lie by Wade Bell

Clocks Lie, a short story by Alberta writer Wade Bell

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Feb 20, 2020

How to Write an Autobiography

Learn how to write an autobiography that allows you to leave your life story for a son, daughter or other loved one. Basic information to help anyone get started.

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Feb 16, 2020

Baggage Claim by Kelly Piner

Baggage Claim, a short story by psychologist Kelly Piner

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Jan 15, 2020

2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Call for Entries

Calling all indie book authors and publishers - including small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors who have a book written in English released in 2018, 2019 or 2020 or with a 2018, 2019 or 2020 copyright date, to enter the most rewarding book awards program.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards offers over 70 Categories - More than 70 Awards – with over 70 monetary prizes totaling more than $10,000 in cash, including $1,500 cash prizes plus trophies for best fiction book and best non-fiction book, $750 cash prizes plus trophies for second best fiction book and non-fiction book and $500 cash prizes plus trophies for third best fiction book and non-fiction book.

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Jan 08, 2020

Adventure Writers Competition

The Adventure Writers Competition, sponsored by the Clive Cussler Family, the Clive Cussler Collector's Society, Braveship Books, Venator Media Services and Sven Gillhoolie Publishing is an international competition now in our ninth year. We have one category: Adventure, so any novels over 50,000 words that are in the realm of action/adventure/thriller/mystery - but chocked-full of adventure - are welcome. We do not accept sci-fi, fantasy, horror or young children's books. All fees collected are used to promote the contest, the finalists and the winner. We are a non-profit organization. We are open for entries January 1 through April 30 of 2020. See our website for info on rules and entering. As our finalist judge, Dirk Cussler says: "Get in on the action!"

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Jan 06, 2020

Tips for Writing a Novel

Top Ten Tips for Writing a Novel from Pearl Luke, author of Burning Ground and Madame Zee

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Jan 05, 2020

Creative Writing Resources

Creative writing resources for hours of inspiration, tips, activities, help, and entertainment for creative writers.

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Dec 10, 2019

5 Ways a Writing Mentor Can Help You Be a Better Writer

A good writing mentor can not only help perfect your writing, but can also teach, offer support and help you find paying markets.

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Nov 29, 2019

WRITE A NOVEL, BUT CHECK THESE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS

Write a novel alongside a professional and receive regular feedback. Writing a publishable novel means nailing some crucial techniques.

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Nov 06, 2019

Creative Writing Help and Resources

Creative writing help and resources for writers and teachers from author Pearl Luke.

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Nov 06, 2019

Building Suspense in Fiction

Building suspense in your stories is key to reader engagement. So which techniques work best?

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Aug 01, 2019

Your First Draft: 8 Steps to Writing One That's Perfect

Write your first draft without stress and writing blocks. Author Pearl Luke provides 8 steps to getting it done.

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Jul 03, 2019

Creative Writing Activities For Teachers

Original creative writing activities for the classroom or workshop

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Jul 02, 2019

A Novel Synopsis: How to Craft One

A novel synopsis, written always in the present tense, will reduce 90,000 words to fewer than five pages as interesting as the original.

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Jun 24, 2019

Campie by Barbara Stewart

Campie, by Barbara Stewart: An intriguing memoir about working in an Alberta oilfield camp

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Jun 23, 2019

What is Creative Writing? Three Vignettes by Katherine J. Barrett

What is Creative Writing? This question might best be answered by showing, not telling, as in the three creative writing examples here.

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Jun 23, 2019

Story Starters: Fictional Beginnings to Inspire and Instruct

Inspiring story starters for adult fiction writers. See how professionals start their stories and create interesting first lines of your own.

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Jun 22, 2019

Writing Revisions: When to Tackle Them

Writing Revisions: Work on them as you write, or wait until you finish a draft? Advice from Pearl Luke, author.

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Jun 19, 2019

681 Cliches to Avoid in Your Creative Writing

681 Cliches to avoid in your creative writing.

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Jun 19, 2019

The Best Creative Writing Process

The creative writing process is personal. Real writers write, and they don't give up until they succeed.

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Jun 19, 2019

Passive Verbs: Avoid Them and Breathe New Life Into Your Fiction

Passive Verbs: How to avoid them and use 'was' and other 'to be' verbs correctly when you must.

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Jun 19, 2019

Participles: Bothersome Verbs

Participles: When to use them, when to avoid them in your creative writing.

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Jun 18, 2019

Book Writing Tips for Career Writers

Book Writing Tips for Serious Writers Who Want a Career Writing

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Jun 18, 2019

Becoming a Writer Has Never Been Easier

Creative individuals often ask if becoming a writer is difficult. The answer is no. If you want to become a writer, it is within your control to become one.

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Jun 18, 2019

A Bare Bones Autobiography Outline

This bare bones autobiography outline template uses two key failures and a success, the classic three-act dramatic structure.

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