Do you know what one of my greatest challenges as a writer is? Creating good, believable characters. When I began my writing journey, creating characters seemed simple enough. Make up a name. With me it was usually something stupid like “Deacon Devlin.” Then, tell the reader what this person looks Continue Reading
John
How to Write Like a Pro
I have an interesting historical fact for you. Did you know that two of the most well know artists of all time hated each other? I’m talking about Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. This may not come as a shock to you as artists often feud with one another. Think Continue Reading
Author Interview: William Meikle
Recently, I started reading a book called The Hole. I’ve got to say, it gripped me from the first chapter. Talk about hooking your reader, this book grabbed me by the lapels and said, “I dare you not to read me. Needless to say, I decided to do some research Continue Reading
30 Sites that Pay Writers
Here at the Maltese Tiger, I try to offer my readers value. What can be more valuable than a list of sites looking to pay talented writers? In the past, I’ve done articles that focus on websites that pay you to write, but this is my biggest list yet! I Continue Reading
Writing a Powerful Setting
What is Setting? Yes, its the background to your story. It’s the city or the house, or the mystical land where your characters interact, but it’s also much more. The setting is the foundation of your story. It’s what keeps your reader grounded in the fictional world you’ve constructed. So Continue Reading
How to Write a Theme for your Story
What do you think is the most important element of a story? Some people say the plot. Others say the characters. They’re both wrong. The most important element you need to develope for your story is a theme! So, today we’ll learn how to write a strong theme. Sure stories Continue Reading
How to End a Story
Some people say the ending is the most important part of a story. I’m inclined to agree. Mess up the ending, and your reader will feel cheated. Like they’ve wasted their time. The greatest premise in the world won’t mean squat if you can’t stick the landing. That’s why we’re Continue Reading
Creating an Anti-Hero
This week I want to talk about anti-heroes. In this morally ambiguous time, it’s no longer popular to write about classic heroes who are purely good and righteous. I mean, where’s the fun in that? Gone are the days of swashbucklers like Ivanhoe and Robin Hood. Even the most recent Continue Reading
Author Interview: Maxine Sylvester
The wonderful thing about the writing community is that there are so many people to look to for inspiration. I mean, you’ve read my writing. I’m in constant need of inspiration, and do you know the kind of writer who inspires me the most? Self-starters, people with a wide-range of Continue Reading
Author Interview- Dan Buri
As an aspiring writer, I try to read as often as possible. Sometimes, I’ll read a piece of fiction, or a line or two of dialogue, and think-Wow, I wish I could write like that. This happened to me recently while reading Dan Buri’s Pieces Like Pottery. The book is Continue Reading