5 Lessons for Writers from François Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows”
François Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows” is the frontrunner in the French New Wave Cinema and a staple of film courses. The 12-year-old protagonist, Antoine Doinel (Jean-Pierre Léaud), is one of the most unforgettable characters ever created in film. He has stayed with me for many years.
4 Lessons for Writers from Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon”
In “Rashomon,” the 1950 classic film by Akira Kurosawa, viewers can be certain of three things: A samurai is dead, his wife has been sexually assaulted, and a bandit is the main suspect. Everything else about the film is open to discussion. Every viewer is entitled to his or her own conclusion.
Hello, 2020! Seven New Year’s Resolutions for Writers
There’s nothing quite like the New Year to set our writing goals. Better yet, find a writer friend (in person or online) to exchange goals with. Here are a few things to get you started. You can bet I’ll be working on these goals myself.
How to Maintain Your Writing Momentum: 3 Tips
What kind of a writer are you—do you wait for the muse or rely on momentum? I’m somewhere in the middle. But if I have to choose between the two camps, I would be in the latter.
Writing Hack: Essential Rules about Comma
Don’t stumble on the little comma. Remember these essential rules.
Using a Pen Name: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Some authors and writing teachers will advise you against using a pen name. They will warn you about the challenges of branding a pen name on top of your real name. Well and good, except sometimes you don’t have a choice.
10 Takeaways from the 2017 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
As a lifelong allergy sufferer who needs regular allergy shots, I can’t help but say that attending the recently held Writer’s Digest Annual Conference was a shot in the arm for me—as important (and more fun!) as my immunotherapy. Let me share the top 10 things I learned from the event.
14 Lessons for Writers from 3 Classic Foreign Films
Film is a universal art form. Those of us who write novels can learn a lot from the storytelling techniques of filmmakers, especially masters like Federico Fellini, Akira Kurosawa, and François Truffaut. Their films defied Hollywood norms and yet found a global audience.
Who versus Whom: Remember Just One Rule
Do you have trouble remembering when to use who or whom? It’s a common problem with a quick fix from a Grammar Girl video.
Tips on Polishing Your Novel from Paula Munier’s “Writing with Quiet Hands”
After you’ve revised your manuscript for the nth time, the final stretch of polishing can be daunting. You’ve maxed out your writing group’s goodwill and your own editing fatigue has set in. When you reach this point, Paula Munier’s tips on “principled polishing” will help a lot.