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Screenwriter Harmoni McGlothin talks to us about writing characters that hold their grip on us. Read the article and tell us what helps you make your characters powerful and interesting and what keeps you from being able to do that in the stories you produce.

I hope that you’ll visit this site as a consequence of reading our interview with its founder, Harmoni McGlothlin. What do you think?

We have two spots that have  opened up because two  attendees have been called away on emergencies. Email me at conference@writingitreal.com for info or to say you are coming! We’ll meet Friday evening 2/23 through Sunday afternoon 4/25 at the Palace Hotel in Port Townsend. You won’t believe how much writing you’ll  do and how much you’ll learn! Visit our conference links on the Writing It Real Website for information.

We have three spots to fill because a few scheduled attendees are unable to make the conference. We hope some of you out there like making plans in a hurry–The conference is a month away–email me at conference@writingitreal.com for info or to say you are coming! We meet Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at the Palace Hotel in Port Townsend. You won’t believe how much writing you’ll  do and how much you’ll learn! Visit our conference links on the Writing It Real Website for information.

When we take some time to focus on elements of sound in our writing by looking into examples from literature and practice employing elements of the craft that the pros employ, we infuse our writing with renewed energy and even create unexpected new work. After you read more on repetition this week share some of what you’ve created with us here on the blog. As always, leave any questions you have in the comment box, too.

Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, you have to fully envision the people who populate your writing. This week’s article provides many, many ways to think up the information that will help you flesh out your characters. Let us know what you find rewarding or discouraging about character development.

See http://networkedblogs.com/p26532719 for full description of the Michael Steinberg Essay Prize.

Just another reminder that freewrites from the prompt on the guidelines are due 1/31; you’ll receive Sheila’s response to the freewrite within a week and then revisions are due (no extra fee) by the 28th of February. Give yourself time to revise; submit an entry today!

Wonderful contest. Guidelines here: http://www.tiny-lights.com/contest.php

Feb. 19th deadline!