Andrew Ferguson
Children's/YA Author
Archives
Juggling Multiple Writing Projects
Posted on April 19, 2021 Leave a Comment
You’re committed. Dedicated. Come what may, you’re getting this novel done, just by plodding along one word at a time.
Plod, plod… plod…
But then suddenly:
‘I say! Who’s that smokin’ hot piece of brand new idea?’
Pants, Plants and Plans: A Beginner’s Guide
Posted on April 17, 2021 Leave a Comment
If you’re struggling with whatever method comes naturally to you, it may be time to try a different approach. And so, what follows is my own concise analysis of each approach, comparing pros and cons as evenly as I can.
Theme: The Truth Behind the Tale
Posted on April 12, 2021 Leave a Comment
What fundamental truth(s) are you conveying in your idle fantasy? What aspects of real life are you exploring? And equally as important, how are you conveying that truth?
Writing a Second Draft When You’re a Plantser
Posted on April 11, 2021 Leave a Comment
It was my wife who finally reminded me: I’m a plantser. I begin with a rough plan, but it’s only when I write and let my imagination run wild that my plan starts to grow a bit of flesh and take on a life of its own. Why was it, then, that when I came to write my second draft that I felt so compelled to have a perfect plan in place before writing anything?
Writing a Good Character Description
Posted on April 6, 2021 Leave a Comment
Remember: a character is defined what they do and say, not by their physical appearance. Therefore, use physical descriptions to bring out their key traits. First ask yourself who this character is and what important details of their life and personality you wish to convey.
6 ‘Six Word Stories’ for the 6th (vol. III)
Posted on April 2, 2021 Leave a Comment
Today is Sunday the 6th of May and that means it’s time for another exciting instalment of 6 ‘Six Word Stories’ for the 6th!
Gleaning Ideas from Other Stories
Posted on March 29, 2021 Leave a Comment
But what do you do when the Idea Tree stops putting out its juicy fruit? Easy. Glean ideas from someone else’s story.
Novelist: A Handy App for Planning Your Novel
Posted on March 18, 2021 Leave a Comment
But that’s not to say mobile apps can’t help you in your quest to write a story, especially when you’re on the go and need a simple, orderly means of gathering together all those little plot bunnies that jump into your head at the worst possible moments. For that reason, I’ve been trying out a nice little app I discovered on Google Play called Novelist by Alessandro Riperi.
50 Quotes About Writing
Posted on March 17, 2021 Leave a Comment
Well, we’ve already had fifty quotes about fiction in general so today it’s time for another fifty quotes, this time providing advice, encouragement and general reflections on the process of writing.
Should You Use Profanity in Your Story?
Posted on March 16, 2021 Leave a Comment
This all got me thinking about the use of profanity in fiction. We authors walk a fine line between realism and rudeness, especially when it comes to writing dialogue. Where do you draw the line?
Well… it depends.
Andrew Ferguson 