by Bob | Feb 7, 2020 | On Writing
While we usually want to avoid conflict in real life, in fiction, it is what drives the characters and story forward toward the climactic scene. When I do workshops, the first thing we do is get the author to say the core idea of his/her book in one sentence. That can...
by Bob | May 8, 2019 | On Writing
It all starts with an idea. Which is not story. The two are different. Story can change. Idea can’t. Every idea has been done; but not every story. Confused? After three decades writing, over 75 books, and having taught hundreds of workshops, I believe locking...
by Bob | Feb 25, 2019 | Idea Into Story, On Writing
Since every idea has been done, a job of the writer is to absorb as much idea and story from the world around them. Not to plagiarize: it’s research. It’s our job. In the evening, my wife and I, and our dogs, pile into bed and watch TV. My wife always has...
by Bob | Jan 23, 2019 | Idea Into Story
I often see writers who are concerned about someone stealing their idea. The problem with that is that every idea has been done. I know there’s always someone who thinks they have a truly original idea that has never been thought of in the history of mankind,...
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