by Guest Blogger |
As writers and storytellers our heads are often filled with a number of plotlines, characters, and conversations. But there are still times when we struggle to think of story ideas that get us excited; ideas that sees us racing to grab a pen and paper and jot it down before it slips away.
In these moments it feels like you’ll never have a good story idea ever again, right?
I’ll gladly tell you you’re wrong. You just have to look around to see that you’re surrounded by inspiration everywhere you go.
by Guest Blogger |
What exactly is a Beta Reader, and why should you care? The term ‘beta’ is borrowed from the software industry, meaning the beta ‘tests’ (reads) your full, finished manuscript to help you eliminate ‘bugs’ (problems) before it’s published. Here’s a more official online definition I like: “An alpha reader or beta reader, also a pre-reader or critiquer, is a non-professional reader who reads a written work, generally fiction, with the intent of looking over material to find and improve elements such as grammar and spelling, as well as suggestion to improve the story, its characters, or its setting.”
All true, but they left out the most important benefit.
Beta readers are invaluable to your writing. Here’s why…
by Guest Blogger |
When asked why he wrote horror stories, Stephen King once said that he wrote about the things that scared him the most.
He went on to say, writing horror stories was therapeutic in a way; a method to overcome his own insecurities and phobias.
by Guest Blogger |
I hear from writers about your struggles all the live long day. Many problems (doubt, procrastination, perfectionism) have the same solution — it takes time, patience and practice to improve your craft. However, there’s one common writing mistake that gives me chills every time because it’s harder to help…
![“The Change” by Tom Farr [story]](https://thewritepractice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/the-change.png)
by Guest Blogger |
Earlier this month, sixty writers submitted stories to the Wordhaus Writing contest, which we co-hosted with Wordhaus Literary Magazine. Today, I’m honored to present the winning story, “The Change” by Tom Farr. Wordhaus has published the finalists, and so make sure to subscribe to their magazine here. If you’d like to participate in future contests like this, make sure to sign up for the Becoming Writer waiting list. We will be re-opening the community on Monday. Enjoy the story!
