Writing Tips at GarySpeer.com

Do you draw? Do you have a talent for sketching? Or are you like me and have problems getting stick people to even look like stick people?

A great technique to help you with a story idea is to try sketching what you’re thinking about a character, a location, actual motion or movements within the scene, even what the weather and geography is. The beauty of this method is that it helps you focus your thinking even if no one else can appreciate or understand what you’ve sketched.

I got that simple tip from a friend who offers another tip I’ve posted about before — creative “power” naps where you lay down in a comfortable place and let your story and characters sort of come to your mind and observe what they’re doing as you drift off for a nap. I’m not sure how effective the power naps are, though they’re restful, but I’ve had some fun with the sketching idea. It really helps me visualize characters, think about locations and seasons, and even move the story action forward.

Another writer friend says she uses a large blank piece of paper or sketch pad to create the topography of her fantasy story locations. She sometimes begins a fantasy novel by first sketching out a large land mass with a coast or coasts, some mountains, a couple of rivers, and then pinpoints some small villages, cities, volcanoes, etc. As the terrain and geography of that particular fantasy “world” progresses, she comes up with characters, ethnic groups, and customs that eventually turn into a full blown world — even a fantasy series.

Next time you get stuck with words, pull out some blank paper, some pens or pencils, and sketch your way to writing success.

Technorati Tags: sketching for story ideas, creating story lines, creating characters, writing tips at garyspeer.com

Through the marvel of working at home and with a little help from our DVR, I get to see some interesting interviews with writers. Yesterday’s “Today Show” interview with John Grisham was one of those. Click on the link and enjoy it for yourself. (Yeah, I know it’s one of those online videos which forces you to watch a commercial first, but it’s worth the wait.)

I especially enjoyed two things from the interview. First, when Grisham talks about his newest book, “The Appeal,” he speaks out strongly on judicial corruption and the evils of big-money swaying our legal system. He makes it very clear that the book is not based on speculation; it is based on events that have already happened.

This hit home with me because I have a lawyer friend who has spent several years battling and exposing some corrupt judges within the federal judiciary, and it has been an uphill fight all the way. So I was able to appreciate Grisham’s crusade for a better judicial system.

Secondly, I loved hearing that Grisham does his novels from a very detailed outline. It was interesting to hear one of the mega-writers speak of that approach. In recent years, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and others have admitted that they use only sketchy outlines if any at all. Personally, I lack the patience or discipline to outline in detail. Perhaps I need to work harder at that?

Oh, and as a parting response to viewer email, Grisham gives his minimum standard for “aspiring writers”: If you don’t write at least a page every day, don’t expect to succeed as a published writer. I think he’s got something there.

Technorati Tags: John Grisham interview, “The Appeal” book, writing as a business, writing tips at garyspeer.com

I’ve always been a funny person. No, seriously, I really am a funny guy. I know everyone says that and the world is filled with wannabe comedians — but I really AM funny.

My point is this: Humor isn’t humor if you have to explain it, repeat it, or insist on it. Humor writing is a talent I confess I lack. I can watch humor and “get it,” I can read humor and “get it” — but when I try writing humor, I really don’t get it done all that well.

So this post is a simple plea: Those of you reading this who want to help us all, please share any tips and tricks you have for writing humor. In the past I have wanted to try my hand at humorous greeting cards, humor fillers or briefs, even joke writing. But I’ve never successfully written or sold a single joke or humor brief.

Tell me, how do you do humor? What makes you laugh? What humor have you written? Enlighten us, please.

Technorati Tags: humor writing, joke writing, how to be funny, what is humor, writing tips at garyspeer.com