Write Better Now
A prompt, some links, and other awesomeness
Every Monday, we’re sending out a quick round-up of what we talked about and some cool links to check out to help all of us become better writers.
As a reminder, on Wednesdays the WRITE BETTER NOW podcast comes out here (and everywhere).
Later in the week there is a bonus post for paid subscribers because, honestly, it’s super kind of you to support me that way, and I want to make sure to make it’s worth your while. Thank you for being here.
Here we go!
Last week on the podcast we talked about making characters sizzle.
Writing Exercise of Awesome
This prompt is from author.pub. Ready?
“Get your character talking about their first love, who it was and whether the attraction was mutual. Was it an epic love or just a crush? How did it end?”
Cool Links By Other People and a Place to Submit!
An excerpt from Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses.
Yusef Komunyakaa’s “My Good Hand Plays God.”
A great site that helps you plan your story.
The Masters Review Short Story Award for New Writers (Deadline August 28; $3,000)
“Summer is for Short Stories! The Masters Review’s Short Story Award for New Writers is a bi-annual contest that recognizes the best fiction from today’s emerging writers. Judging this year’s summer contest is Chelsea Bieker, author of GODSHOT and the new collection Heartbroke. The winner receives a $3,000 prize and agency review, and their story will be published online in late winter/early spring. Second and third place finalists will be awarded publication, agency review and $300/$200 prizes. Participating agents include: Nat Sobel from Sobel Weber, Victoria Cappello from The Bent Agency, Andrea Morrison from Writers House, Sarah Fuentes from Fletcher & Company, and Heather Schroder from Compass Talent. Our mission from day one has been to support emerging writers. We want you to succeed. We want your words to be read.”
SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION MOMENT
So, I’m teaching another cool six-month class at the Writing Barn in Austin. It’s a pretty fantastic place. And the class is super fun. I’ve had a ton of students get unblocked and get published. You should check it out or just come hang out with me as your writing coach. I offer a ton of different options.
Here’s a thing about a night (free obviously) where you can learn more about it.
And as always, I’m editing on Reedsy, and editing and coaching through my website (or contact me here).