The Inquisitive Inkpot
Exploring Tales and the Art of Telling
Category: Writing Insights
The Reluctant Screen-Writer
Whether we like it or not, most of us today are screen-writers. Not that we all compose scripts, no, not that kind of writing. What I’m talking about is the fact that, regardless of what medium we are writing for, we have been compelled… Continue Reading “The Reluctant Screen-Writer”
A Writer's List of Virtues
Everyone has a theory of what it takes to be a successful writer. That’s all well and good, but first we have to define “success,” don’t we? I mean, one person may churn out melodramatic teenage vampire novels, while another compiles decades of life… Continue Reading “A Writer's List of Virtues”
Perfectionism and Publishing
If any writer knows that revision is necessary, then he also knows the final product will be imperfect. “Final” draft does not mean “perfect” draft. This becomes especially (nay, painfully) clear when you see one of your works in print. Take it from me—I… Continue Reading “Perfectionism and Publishing”
Worth Your Salt?
If there’s one thing writers know, it’s that adjustments are inevitable. In reality, this goes for everyone, not just writers. But what’s interesting is that there’s a special term for this in writing—revising. Okay, that’s not the interesting part. The interesting part is that… Continue Reading “Worth Your Salt?”
Closing the Deal (and the Book)
If a writer can sell a lead character to an audience for the entirety of a story, he’d better not give them what they expect at the close. Sounds counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? What buyer wants to walk out of a store dissatisfied? While this… Continue Reading “Closing the Deal (and the Book)”
How to Sell a Lead
Unlike most types of sales, this one involves no transaction. The agreement is unspoken, and is measured only by the customer’s insatiable desire for more. It’s the sale of a lead character. Last week we talked about the two different strategies to hooking readers,… Continue Reading “How to Sell a Lead”
Sales and Storytelling: the Hook
We’re all familiar with the cut-to-the-chase sales tactics that seem necessary in order for businesses to survive. But what can we learn from the business world if our mission isn’t to close a deal? Lots. It seems that two vastly different types of writers… Continue Reading “Sales and Storytelling: the Hook”
The Case of the Vanishing Character
Do you find it unsettling when people vanish from your life? “Depends on the person,” you say. Fair enough. But in general, when people who formerly played some semi-notable or even regular role in your life leave it, you usually have a sense of… Continue Reading “The Case of the Vanishing Character”
Identity Crisis: the Point of Re-inquiring
Identity Crises come in many forms. And with any luck, they lead to positive changes. This one is no exception. On The Inquisitive Inkpot’s 30th birthday, it has come face-to-face with the reality it can no longer deny: it is something different from what… Continue Reading “Identity Crisis: the Point of Re-inquiring”
