Writing

Target: Competency

February 3, 2012

When I sat down to write this post, I was very clear about what I wanted to say.  I knew the various states of mind I wanted to compare and contrast, and was comfortable with the idea.  But before I could type the first sentence I realized that I might not know what I’m talking [...]

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Music Monday: Two Angels by Laurie Anderson

January 30, 2012

Red wine isn’t the only thing one sometimes needs to acquire a taste for.
When she first published her song, “O Superman” in 1981, those who heard it had one of two reactions.  They loved it, or they loathed it.  And that reaction seems to have divided the world into two camps when it comes to [...]

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Uphill Writing – The Terrible TWOS

January 24, 2012

Can You Believe it?
Today is Uphill Writing’s 2nd Birthday.
It’s been a very steep curve,  and there were some days when we were entirely dark (and not because of SOPA/PIPA)… but we’ve stayed with it.  And so have some of you.
I want to take just a moment to thank those of you who come back time [...]

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The Ax Grinder: Giveaway Innovation – Stooopid Commercials

January 13, 2012

I think it is safe to say that there is a difference, a rather big difference, between TV and Radio ads made on the National Level, and those made by owners of local businesses who always knew they should be on TV or the radio. It is fair to say that there are some locals [...]

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Quips and Quotes: Brian Aldiss

January 12, 2012

Uphill Writing: Quips and Quotes  
“There are two kinds of writer: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.”
   - Brian Aldiss

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The Ax Grinder: Giveaway Innovation – Punishment Fits The Crime

January 9, 2012

From time to time I will be putting forth ideas under the heading “The Ax Grinder”.  These snippets will be a combination of pet peeves, moral objections, and suggestions, both original and overheard,  for a more equable future.
I offer them up to you with the best of intentions, and HOPE that you might run with them, put them into your [...]

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Word of the Day: Lavation

January 9, 2012

Uphill Writing: Word of the Day  
Lavation,  N., [ley-vey-shuhn]
Definition:  The process of washing.
Example:  He began each morning with a brief lavation.
How will you use lavation in a sentence today?
The Uphill Writing Word of the Day is taken from dictionary.com,merriam-webster.com, and other on-line services.
 

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Creative Vocabulary

December 21, 2011

One of the things we (as writers) hear time and again, is “be accurate”.  We are told to watch our spelling, our formatting, our grammar, and at some point, the logic of our stories.
One of the points our “teachers” often miss is the nature of our work.
We are writing fiction.  We are writing about things [...]

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New Ideas? Gimme a Break!

December 15, 2011

I’ve just (about) completed a six volume series by E. E. “Doc” Smith.  His earliest book was published in 1915, and he wrote a great many novels up until his death in 1965.
Most of you would call his writing style stilted, and for good reason, as it doesn’t match up all that well with modern [...]

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Novel Writing 101: Plotting and Planning

December 6, 2011

NOVEL WRITING 101
 
NOTE: This post missed scheduled time due to a technical failure.
Will you just wing it, or will you use an outline?
I’ve done both, and there is something to say about each technique.
If you’re in the mood to just jump in, and start swinging with minimal preparation, you can have a lot of fun [...]

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