It’s no secret that creatives are more at risk for depression, but for writers, it can be especially tough. Our craft is a solitary endeavor, spending hours in front of a keyboard. For those prone to feelings of loneliness, the isolation, the lack of sunlight and human interaction that writing often brings, can plunge them into the dark waters of … Read More
Understanding Narrative Distance
Recently, I’ve been doing a slew of content editing, which is difficult for me at best. There are two reasons for this. One, as a writer, it’s my natural tendency to interject my voice into anything. I struggle to assess a story, the characters, the pacing, the voicing, the plot and any holes there might be, without changing the style … Read More
Running a Lean Mean Marketing Machine
I did a post on Facebook’s latest changes regarding groups and pages last month, but even authors that had prepared for the switch were shell shocked at the results, both in sales and in reader interaction. Algorithms have destroyed any hope of reaching new readers without paying for an ad or running a sponsored post. My friend LK Griffie has been saying for … Read More
Defining Equality
I’m compiling answers and insights to add to the Scythian F.A.Q. page, which will be featured on the site in the coming months. But one question keeps popping up, and so I thought I’d give it a post of its very own. 🙂 Why is the Scythian Credo Strength Through Equality? In order for me to explain, we need to … Read More
Finding Your Tribe
Most of my life has been spent feeling like the proverbial round peg in a square hole. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier to connect with intelligent, witty people who love discussing books and other writerly things. I wanted a place we could call our own, and so I started The Isaacs Society. This secret Facebook group is chalked full … Read More
Tone and Mood, the Powerhouses of Writing
Most authors will say the best way to write a strong story is to show, don’t tell. But if the tone or mood of all that showing doesn’t match the intensity of the plot, the story still seems weak. Having all three is the trifecta of great storytelling. The difference between Tone and Mood Tone defines the character’s attitude. Is … Read More
Show, Don’t Tell
Ah, the blessed mantra of the writer–show, don’t tell. It’s chanted in fifth-grade classrooms all across the nation, and yet, even seasoned writers struggle with the concept. The difference between telling and showing Most young writers think of “telling” like a police report. It’s a monotonous sequence of events with no language that would sway the reader emotionally one way … Read More
Outside My Comfort Zone
I was raised in an era where photos were taken with an honest-to-God camera, film and all. Filters were for furnaces, family videos were only for rich people, a brand was for putting on cows, and selfies sounded like something that should be done in the privacy of your own room. It’s not that I’m reaching the octogenarian stage of … Read More
Five Top Places to Review Books
Reviews have become a staple in our lives. Want to try out the new restaurant down the street? Hop on Yelp and see how many stars they have. Looking for a plumber, or electrician? Check Angieslist or homeadvisor and see what others have said. Today, more than ever, reviews play a critical role in the lives of small business owners … Read More
Five Tips to Write for Life
There’s a thread weaving through Facebook that I’m enjoying these days. Writers from all walks of life are sharing their top five writing tips and secrets, and then they challenge another five writers to do the same. I’ve been following the threads like a hound chasing rabbits, loving the snippets of insight and advice from the authors that I admire. … Read More