If you’ve been around writers for a while, you’re probably familiar with Goal, Motivation and Conflict. Debra Dixon introduced the concept in a 1996 book by the same title. Since then it’s been used by writers everywhere as a handy tool to develop layered, lovable, believable characters. In a nutshell, GMC asks three questions about our story characters: What do ... Read More »

You’ve spent weeks and months creating characters you love, putting them in just the right story setting, fine-tuning your plot and crafting an opening with an absolutely perfect hook. So, why aren’t your critique partners telling you to submit this story, right now? Why aren’t you winning contests right and left? Why does something still feel…flat? Perhaps, while you were ... Read More »

In business, companies assess risk vs. reward all the time. Usually, the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward. But for writers and other creative types, we measure these things differently. Or do we? Every day, we take risks when we follow our creative call. We put words on paper, images on film, pick up an instrument or paintbrush…these ... Read More »

I learned something oh-so-encouraging last week: I’m not the only procrastinator out there. What a huge relief! It did my heart good to hear from so many of you who are doing—or not doing—the same things I am. And for the same reasons. Thanks so much for sharing your struggles and triumphs—they encouraged me, big time. You also got me ... Read More »