Feeling stuck in your creative journey? In this video, we dive deep into common challenges faced by writers and creatives and explore practical solutions. From breaking down the silos of your different life roles to managing the impact of external factors on your creative process, we cover it all. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate through tough times and stay on track with your creative goals. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on boosting your creativity and overcoming obstacles!

Imagine Sir Anthony Hopkins, most known for his role as Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs.

Now, Sir Anthony Hopkins was once just Tony Hopkins, starting like all of us. He was 17 or 18, doing shows wherever he could. In one play, he worked with Sir Laurence Olivier, considered the greatest classical actor of his generation. Hopkins, playing a minor role, mustered the courage to ask Olivier for advice on his performance.

Imagine Sir Laurence at his makeup table. Hopkins asks for advice, and Sir Laurence turns and says:

"When you speak, you are the star."

Just this morning on my walk, I brushed a hand over a short pine tree and came up with the following sentences on the fly, which might open a novel someday:

Despite their name, pine needles are actually soft, almost silky, to the touch when caressed the right way. Rub them the wrong way, and they’ll stick you. My mom was the same way.

Will it win a literary award? No, but it’s a vivid image, ain’t it?

In this episode, learn to go outside to improve your description.

If you find this episode helpful, I am positive you'll get a ton of use from my book on improving dialogue, available at Amazon and other retailers:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WZWMW5W

https://books2read.com/u/bWZY2z

Thanks for being here!

Pro tip: You don't get writer's block... :)

Here's a quick 16-minute bit about how to crush logjams in your writing!

If this is helpful, may I point you to STORYCRAFT...ten hours of hanging out with two successful authors, talking about everything from story structure to traditional publishing contracts and more!

https://tomleveen.store/b/storycraft

🎬 Crafting the Perfect Opening Line for Your Novel 📚

In this video, we delve into the art of writing captivating first sentences for your novel.

Description: In this tutorial, we explore how to write a first sentence that hooks readers and agents alike. Using examples from my own writing, we compare different approaches and discuss the nuances that can make your opening line stand out. Whether you're aiming for traditional publishing or self-publishing, crafting an engaging first sentence is crucial. Learn how to attract your target audience and make a strong first impression!

Key Points:

• How to craft a compelling first sentence
• The difference between functional and captivating openings
• Tips for establishing genre and setting quickly
• The significance of the first page for grabbing attention

🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more writing tips!

Visit fictionmentor.com for additional resources and advice. 📖✨

🚀 Unlock Your Character's Journey: A Writing Exercise 🚀 In this video, I'm sharing a powerful exercise to give depth and dimension to your characters. Whether you're working on a short story, novel, or series, this exercise will help you create memorable characters. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - Describing Your Protagonist at the Beginning 01:05 - Sensory Details: Going Beyond Appearance 02:10 - Repeating the Exercise for the Ending 03:15 - Establishing Your Character's Journey 04:08 - Using Sensory Details Effectively 04:46 - Conclusion Don't just describe what your character looks like; delve into what they taste, smell, and feel like. By the end of your story, your character should have transformed, and these sensory details will help you show that journey. 📚 For more writing tips and exercises, visit FictionMentor.com! 📚 Let me know in the comments if you found this exercise helpful, and don't forget to subscribe for more writing advice and inspiration! ✍️✨

A group of teens crashes a new home built in the Sonoran desert, only to wake the next morning and find the house surrounded by a billion desert insects, arachnids, and snakes, which swarm any human trying to leave...

I'm not sure what a "meet-cute" is, and I don't think this is one...but it's quick story about one way to ask that special person out. Or commit a felony. Whichev. Enjoy!