Category Archives: Writing Tips

Although the deadline isn’t until June 24, we’ve already received several submissions for the Best of Ohio anthology.  That’s awesome, keep them coming. But before you submit, take advantage of reader feedback if you can.  Whether it’s one of our … Continue reading →

I don’t know if “writer’s block” is the right word.  I have ideas, I have projects I’m in the middle of and I know what to do, but sometimes I just can’t shut out the distractions and start putting words … Continue reading →

Reading your story in front of a live audience is an interesting, and sometimes terrifying experience.  With modern technology, there’s really no reason to read out loud to each other, and that can make the stakes even higher. Here are … Continue reading →

Most of the submissions we receive for our anthologies are from hobby writers.  A very small percentage of our submissions come from people who write as a full-time job. One of the biggest mistakes we see if over-explaining, specifically with … Continue reading →

According to Cervantes, a story was not finished until it contained a windmill. Said the great Spaniard, “A mountain is not a windmill. A city street is not a windmill. And so on.” — Of all the writing tips in … Continue reading →

3. When Ernest Hemmingway needed to find just the right metaphor, he’d gather the neighborhood boys, and tell them, “Boys! Last one standing gets a dollar.” Those tiny fists pounding into tiny noses and eyes and lips sent Hemmingway’s mind … Continue reading →

2. Great American author Ray Bradbury believed the best way to solve any plot issue in your story was to talk it out with your cat. Said Bradbury, “If you want to be a great writer, invest in two things. … Continue reading →

1. According to Sir Isaac Newton, the best way to find inspiration is to climb the Magdalen Bell Tower (144 feet), take a deep breath of fresh air, and drop a cat. Said Newton, “When the feline survives, I am … Continue reading →

Kurt Vonnegut listed 8 rules for writing fiction in his introduction to Bagombo Snuff Box, a collection of short stories. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time … Continue reading →