Monthly Archives: January 2009

By John Brown | January 20, 2009 - 2:24 pm |January 20, 2009 On Writing

There are two answers to this question. 1. The story answer by Orson Scott Card, best-selling author As long as the story needs, but 75k-100k is when it starts to “feel” like a novel. 2. The selling it to editors answer by Jenny Rappaport, literary agent “Aim for 80k minimum and 120k maximum. Try to hit as →

Tagged length, novel

How do you know when to start drafting?

By John Brown | January 20, 2009 - 12:50 pm |January 22, 2009 On Writing

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This week’s Writing Excuses was an interesting topic. I’ve had similar questions from folks as I give my workshop on writing fiction. Here are some additions to the excellent comments made by our fearless Three. Can you plan for a single draft? In my experience and those of other published writers I know, wanting to →

Tagged draft, outline

Why capture zing if you don’t use most of it?

By John Brown | January 19, 2009 - 11:59 am |January 19, 2009 On Writing

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I agree that the ability to develop and finish a story is more important, and rare, than coming up with or capturing random ideas, especially since “ideas” can be something as small as a two word sentence from your daughter or the colors on some weird bug that you found hiding out in a teacup →

Tagged ideas, zing

Joss Whedon on the New Media

By John Brown | January 19, 2009 - 10:36 am |January 19, 2009 On Writing

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Here are some thoughts from the man who brought you Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog and Serenity about the future of movies. I’m suspecting a lot of time-lengths and form that weren’t possible given the constraints of TV and theaters will start to rise.

Tagged Joss Whedon, new media

A Great Reason To Always Check Your Child’s Homework

By John Brown | January 18, 2009 - 9:17 pm |January 26, 2009 Zing

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Note sent, the next school day, with the 1st grader… Dear Ms. Williams, That’s not a dance pole on a stage in a strip joint! I work at Home Depot. That’s me selling a shovel. Cathy’s mother, Mrs. Smith (thanks to my wonderful wife for passing that one on.)

Tagged homework