Octavarium is album by the band Dream Theater. Dream Theater has crafted the album, Octavarium, so it circles around the single concept of the octave. By starting with this single idea of the octave, the created an album that is both complex and artistically unique. Can we do the same with writing? Some would say […]
Octavarium, Artistic Motif, & Cyclical Creative Writing Pt 1 Read More »
Clickbait is annoying, but clickbait has always existed in some form, especially in books. The purpose of a book title is to get you to pick it up. In these week’s episode, I bring you the electrifying topic of book titles. I talk about the purpose of a title, several ways of titling books, and
Clickbait Book Titles: Good Book Titles and Bad Read More »
The shape of stories has been well-explained by Vonnegut in the past. Musical theories have shown the flow of music. Today, I go over how these are related and discuss why music and storytelling are similar and unique in contrast to more traditional forms of art. If you enjoy this episode, here are some others
The Shape of Stories and Music: Connections in Art Read More »
Write drunk edit sober is a piece of writing advice attributed to Ernest Hemingway. Because of the author’s high standing among writing, this classic adage is even taken to heart by professional writers. But it is likely not the best way to create a solid artistic or literary work. If you enjoy this episode, here
Write Drunk Edit Sober: The Erring Advice of Hemingway Read More »
Many major authors talk about a person must spend a certain amount of time writing to be considered a writer. I talk about the view most writers have about what makes a person a writer, what I think makes a person a writer, and why I disagree with everyone. If you enjoy this episode, here
Am I Writing Enough: What Makes Me a Writer Read More »
There seems to be one dominant viewpoint on themes in literature. This viewpoint often views themes simply, as one word such as justice, love, hate, etc. . . On this week’s episode of How to Write Good, I discuss viewpoints on themes in literature and my disagreement with these viewpoints. If you enjoy this episode,
Themes in Literature: And How Your Teacher Was Wrong Read More »
I explore writers block. What causes it? How can it be overcome? Why is understanding it and anything else on a deeper level important? If you enjoy this episode, here are some others you might find interesting: On Being a Writer, On Symbolism in Stories, On Science Fiction. If you have any issues with the
Writers Block: Is there any way to get words on the page? Read More »
For those of you aspiring to be writers and writers you have never tried before, I have one piece of advice that I believe will improve your writing significantly: write poetry. I believe poetry provides the writer a unique opportunity for expression. Because poetry is not marketable (okay, barely marketable), you will not be tempted
How To Write Well: How Writing Poetry Improved My Writing Read More »
