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A Writer’s Life — News, Musings & Tips

From Jenna E. Caputo

 

See The Rainbows

See The Rainbows

  "See the Rainbows, Mama? Seeee??"   What is it that children have that allows them to see the magic in the most seemingly ordinary things? Do they have special eyes that we slowly lose over time? Or is it merely that they have not yet become jaded as adults do,...

Does Interviewing Really Work?

Does Interviewing Really Work?

I've heard a bit of jibber-jabber lately about interviewing your characters. Some people LOVE it. Others think it just gets them off on the wrong track and adds too many unneeded details to the story. So which is it? My feeling? Depends. (Don't you just love an answer...

The Best Day In The Year

The Best Day In The Year

  Why does January 1st seem like such a magical day? There's a lot of pressure on that day—new year, fresh start, gung-ho resolutions—a lot to live up to for one little day! I've been seeing a meme going around that January 1st is the start of a new book—12...

Writing Isn’t Just a Word Count

Writing Isn’t Just a Word Count

We've all been there—scrolling through our feeds and seeing the screenshots of how many words other writer friends wrote that day. And no matter how happy you are for them, you just feel... inadequate. Why don't I write that much every day? It's hard not to focus on...

Between The Pages: 1940s Slang

Between The Pages: 1940s Slang

When you read a book, you're reading an awesome story—but there are so many things that happen behind the scenes to create that story that you never get to hear about. Between the side writing, research, cutting, plotting, and everything else, there's a whole other...

A Pantser’s Guide To Plotting

A Pantser’s Guide To Plotting

Hi, my name is Jenna, and I am a Pantser. I admit it. The thought of extensive outlines and plotting charts and beat sheets send me running for the hills. My story becomes too stifled if I tell it what to do ahead of time instead of the other way around. But it seems...

Pause

Pause

  We've been told to "Stay home!" And with good reason. If we all stay put now, hopefully we can not only #flattenthecurve, but get rid of it all together so we can go back to our "normal" lives. The grocery and liquor stores are emptying out (move over, toilet...

Let It Flow

Let It Flow

I'm gonna say it—Writing is hard. I don't mean shooting out a quick email or text. I'm talking about writing a story. It doesn't matter how much schooling you've had or how many "rules" you know, or even how many books you have published, writing is still hard. It's...

New Year, New You – Blah, Blah, Blah

New Year, New You – Blah, Blah, Blah

I see it everywhere— "New Year, New You!" Initially, it's a nice sentiment—It's a fresh year, make a fresh start. Now is your chance for a change. But let's face it—we all know those New Year's resolutions are pretty much shot by March. And what really changes? You're...

The Power of Yet

The Power of Yet

  "I can't do it!" She angrily shoved her notebook across her desk and raked her hands through her hair, frustration oozing out of her pores.  Her teacher calmly slid the notebook back in front of her and picked up the tossed aside pencil. "You can't do it......

Fall = New Beginnings

Fall = New Beginnings

Many people view fall as a time of endings—the end of summer, the shedding of dead leaves, the long sleep of winter, the end of another year. Granted, most people enjoy fall activities—playing in the leaves, apple picking, pumpkin patches, hay rides, cider, cider...

Hello!

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! I hope you've had a chance to click around my site to learn a little bit about me. Here I will be posting articles, thoughts, tips, updates, and more, so stay tuned! I look forward to interacting with you over the days ahead! If you don't already,...

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