Tag: SFF Seven
Does Boring Writing Mean Boring Reading?
Our topic at the SFF Seven this week takes a look at the oft-quoted advice for writers: “If you’re bored writing, the reader will be bored reading.” And we’re asking is this true or false? I think it’s wrong, even dangerous advice. Come on over to find out why.
The Pain and the Glory of Publishing
At the SFF Seven this week we’re asking: What are your favorite and least favorite things about publishing? Come on over for my least favorite and very most favorite parts of being a career author.
Jeffe the Bookstagrammer?
Our topic at the SFF Seven is “Bookstagrammer for a day!” We’re making our own “amazing” cover shots. I’m putting “amazing” in quotes because I’m not at all sure mine qualify. But come on over for my lessons learned – and my also-rans.
Jeffe’s One Rule of Character Leveling-Up
Using the MICE Tool to Find Where the Story Begins
This week at the SFF Seven, we’re asking each other which MICE quotient we usually start with in a story. Come on over to learn what the MICE tool is and how it can help to structure stories of all lengths.
Jeffe’s Stupid Human Trick
Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is “Stupid people tricks – what’s something you know how to do?”
I feel I should qualify that that “stupid” in this topic is intended to modify the tricks, not the people. That said, want to know what mine is? Come on over to find out!
Meanwhile, in the Happy Human Tricks Department, I’ve been loving the reception for BRIGHT FAMILIAR, which released on Friday. This was the best Amazon ranking I saw, but the book has been sitting pretty in the Top 100 of all its subcategories all weekend. Hooray!
Worldbuilding and Political Landscapes
Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is politics and – no, wait! Come back!!
We’re asking how politics and the political landscape of the world flavor the outcome of stories. This is my particular catnip as the political landscape of my books is always as important – if not more so – than other facets of the worlds I build. I even teach a workshop called “Worldbuilding: Political Systems in Conflict.” Why politics? Because they are about the conflicts that affect an entire society – and societies beyond them, too. As we’ve all learned from the political turmoil of recent years, politics affects the bedrock of our lives, our very rights as sentient beings. Come on over to learn more.
Winter Magic in Summer – THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOON
At the SFF Seven this week, we’re recommending our frothiest books for a light summer read. Well, if you’re one of those who likes to celebrate the midwinter holidays in the heat of summer, I’ve got one for you!
Just out today, I give you THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOON.
Writing the Intuitive Way
Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is as follows:
Of the 7 types of hooks, which one do you use most? The “Why” Hook. The “Character” Hook. The “Catastrophe” Hook. The “Setting” Hook. The “Contradicting Emotions” Hook. The “Inherent Problem” Hook. The “Goal” Hook.