CataUniversity | Writing

Writing

This category contains 40 posts

Going Paperless: Dropbox

By Alice ⋅ November 28, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

To all those people who told me how wonderful dropbox is, can I just say, you were right! I’m officially converted. Okay, so I’ve been preaching Dropbox to anyone who’d listen for about six months now but I haven’t posted about it on my blog yet. At least not with the respect it deserves. What [...]

Quick Tip: Characters should want something

By Alice ⋅ November 23, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

On the bulletin board in my office, I have a list of 8 tips for writers. I glance at them often, trying to decide if I’ve followed them well. Here’s on tip that helps me remember to give my characters goals and create conflict: “Every character should want something, even if it is only a [...]

Don’t Break the Chain

By Alice ⋅ October 17, 2011 ⋅ 2 comments

Have you ever heard the saying “inch by inch anything’s a cinch?” I’ll admit that I have a problem with making slow, steady progress. I’m more of a “burst” person myself. Meaning I’ll write five blog posts in a day and then not write anything for weeks. Or I’ll write five thousand words on my [...]

A Post Saved is a Post Earned

By Alice ⋅ September 15, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Okay, so I couldn’t think of a better title, but a recent visit to Jenny Cruise’s blog had me curious about blog posts I’ve written, saved, and never published. I think she had a crazy list. Like a hundred posts or something. I headed back over to my trusty blog to see what sort of [...]

Quick Tip: Create a list of character traits

By Alice ⋅ June 9, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Often when I’m creating a character that hasn’t come to me fully formed I try to figure out just who they are and what traits they have before I begin writing. Sometimes I’ll imagine them in certain situations and see how they react. Are they patient? Forceful? Aggressive? Submissive? Shy? One thing that’s helped me [...]

Using Kindle to Proof Your Manuscript

By Alice ⋅ March 28, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Kindle. A great invention. Not only for reading, but now, for proofing your manuscript. Did you know you can send your book directly to your Kindle? And did you know that your Kindle can read your book to you?
Here’s how to use your Kindle as an editing assistant. (BTW, this works with Kindle devices. I’m [...]

What Migraines Have Taught Me About Writing

By Alice ⋅ March 22, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

I still remember the first migraine I ever had. Eric and I were driving over to my parents’ house for lunch and I was overcome with nausea. My energy level dropped, I got sleepy, and my head ached. Having never suffered a migraine before I thought perhaps it was a swift acting bug and asked [...]

Myths about Writers: They’re Lazy

By Alice ⋅ March 10, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

One of my favorite “business-y” books for writers/designers/creative folks is called Time Management for the Creative Person. This book has dozens of sticky notes that I refer back to from time to time.
If you’re one of those smart people who really doesn’t give a you know what about what others think about you, stop reading.
But [...]

Setting Up and Operating a Successful Writer’s Group by Pamela S Thibodeaux

By Alice ⋅ July 1, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment

Pamela S Thibodeaux proves that you don’t need to join a big writing organization to have a meaningful local writers’ group to be a part of. With a little work you can set something up locally that will be beneficial for all. Visit Pamela online at

Forget all the “stuff”

By Rhonda Leah ⋅ June 30, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment

Several years ago, while reading a book I didn’t enjoy I decided would try my hand at writing. Writing was something I had loved as a teen, but got off course and perused other career options. I wanted to write a book I would enjoy reading, where the story unfolds slowly and of course has [...]

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