Category: writing tips

What is a Red Herring?

Andrew Michael Miller2 Comments

The term "red herring" gets thrown around fairly often, especially when discussing mystery genre stories, or other stories with such elements. Based on the context that you've heard the term used, it should be pretty obvious what the term means, but what happens when the obvious answer is wrong? It would be such a shame if the author of something you were reading deliberately misled you by placing clues in the story for you and the characters to incorrectly assume are the answer to the big mystery. But, it happens, and you should really watch out for it when it does.

What is “Chekhov’s Gun” and Why Does it Matter?

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

Have you heard the term "Chekhov's gun" before, when talking about a scene from a story? Maybe it was in the context of a negative review of a movie or show you just watched, or maybe someone critiquing your work suggested there's a case of "Chekhov's gun" that you should address. So what is it, exactly, and how can you spot it from now on?

3 Tips for Finding Sources of Creative Inspiration

Andrew Michael MillerLeave a comment

We've all been there before. We get into our creative place, set aside plenty of time for ourselves, and then we freeze. Often times this leads to distraction, and then before we know it we lose track of time and ultimately end up with nothing to show for it. We walk away frustrated, knowing we floundered when we could have been focusing for all that time. We get too caught up in our own head and then we have nothing to show for it. We begin to doubt ourselves and end up worse for the wear. So, what can we do to avoid falling into this trap? For starters, it helps to be prepared before ever getting into our creative space. Here's a few tips on how you can prepare yourself with plenty of sources of inspiration when there are just none to be found.

Should You Use Music to Fuel Your Creativity?

Andrew Michael Miller2 Comments

Have you ever gotten to the point where you know it's time to create something, but when you set about doing it, you can't find the right inspiration? If you're a writer, maybe the right words don't seem to be coming to you. If you're an artist, maybe you're having trouble painting that first stroke or finding the first shape in a sculpture. Maybe you're a musician, and no riffs are coming together for your song. Taking the first steps to create are always the hardest. Once you're in the zone, the momentum can easily carry you through, but getting there is the real challenge. Do you have a method that works best to get you started? If you don't already use music to get you in the right mood for your work, then maybe it's time you did.

The Forces in Your Life and What You Write

Andrew Michael Miller1 Comment

I don't have to tell you that we live in "interesting times," and I'm not writing to preach to you about the events that happened yesterday in our nation's capital. In a time such as ours, you already get enough of that from other sources, and I'm certain you have your own opinion on the matter. With that said, we all still have to live here, in this time. For those of us who create, whether it be writing or art or music, the things that happen around us often bear a heavy influence on the things we make. Should we allow these forces to influence us in those ways, or should we pretend they don't exist as we create?