Don - Don Martin Books- Stories & Back Pages Journal

Storytelling

Published by Don on May 16, 2023

Photo by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash Mankind’s form of communication. If you have ever read any of my stories, you may know I usually refer to myself as a writer, humorist, and storyteller. The latter two of those are through no part of my own somehow. In fact, they are hard for me to abandon even if I want to, for some particular story I am here today partially because some of my real estate…

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Are There Common Pitfalls for New Writers? New Writer Questions #7

Are There Common Pitfalls for New Writers? New Writer Questions #7

Published by Don on March 30, 2023

What are some common pitfalls to avoid for new writers? Common pitfalls to avoid in writing include overuse of cliches and stereotypes, lack of conflict or tension, flat characters, excessive exposition, and inconsistent pacing or tone. It’s also important to avoid overwriting or underwriting and to edit and revise your work thoroughly. There are several common pitfalls that writers should avoid to ensure that their writing is effective and engaging. Here are some of the…

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Meditation for Writers

Meditation for Writers

Published by Don on March 29, 2023

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash What can meditation do for me? Meditation has numerous benefits for both your physical and your mental health. Here are some of the most common benefits of meditation… Overall, meditation is a powerful tool for improving both physical and mental health, and can help individuals lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. How does a person begin meditation? Starting a meditation practice can be simple and easy. Here are…

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How Do I Structure My Story or Novel? New Writer Questions #6

How Do I Structure My Story or Novel? New Writer Questions #6

Published by Don on March 29, 2023

There are many different ways to structure a story or a novel, but some common approaches include the three-act structure, the hero’s journey, and the five-act structure. It’s important to choose a structure that works best for your particular story, remembering the basic elements of plot, character, and setting. How should I structure my story or novel? There are many different approaches to structuring a story or novel, but one of the most common framework…

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How Do I Develop Stronger Characters? New Writer Questions # 5

How Do I Develop Stronger Characters? New Writer Questions # 5

Published by Don on March 24, 2023

To develop stronger characters, you can start by always creating detailed character description profiles that include facts about their backstory, their personality, and their motivations. It’s also helpful to show your characters in the story action and to allow them to change and grow over the course of your story. How do I develop stronger characters in my writing? Developing strong characters in your writing requires some attention to detail and an understanding of human…

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Dialogue – How can I Write Better Dialogue? New Writer Questions #4

Dialogue – How can I Write Better Dialogue? New Writer Questions #4

Published by Don on March 23, 2023

Your dialogue is a huge part of your writing, especially if you write fiction. I read once that a story is a controlled release of information about an event or person. It goes to follow, that in the spirit of “show, don’t tell,” your dialogue can play a very significant part in the telling of the story. What are some tips for writing better dialogue? What should I do to make my dialogue do to…

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How Do I Find My Particular Writing Style? New Writer Questions #3

How Do I Find My Particular Writing Style? New Writer Questions #3

Published by Don on March 20, 2023

How do I find my writing voice or style? Finding your writing voice and style takes time and practice. You can start by experimenting with different styles and techniques, taking note of what works best for you, and incorporating your personal experiences, observations, and opinions into your writing. I was fortunate in that respect. I had been writing since before I knew it was a “thing” that I needed to learn. In my school, it…

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Why Do Authors Need a Mailing List? New Writer Questions #2

Published by Don on March 19, 2023

What’s the deal about mailing lists? Let me lay it all out for you. Some people think newsletters are spammy or commercial, or just a plain waste of their inbox room and resources. A lot of folk get too many emails and newsletters already. And enough is enough. I get asked, from time to time, why I keep talking about mailing lists and why they’re so important. An author needs…

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New Writer Questions #1 How Do I Even Get Started?

Published by Don on March 16, 2023

Photo by Pereanu Sebastian on Unsplash New writers often want to know a wide range of things to help them improve their writing and navigate the publishing industry. Here are some common questions and concerns that new writers may have, and I get asked from time to time. How do I get started with writing? Dead Center. That’s not the name of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. That’s where you can sometimes find yourself if you…

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Top Three Ways Not To Laugh

Top Three Ways Not To Laugh

Published by Don on February 10, 2023

Everyone tells me to be serious As a quick, emergency measure, I have always known I could bite my tongue or the inside of my cheek. A sufficient amount of pain would usually do the trick for me. But recently I am finding more and more craziness at which to laugh (inappropriately I might add.) My last few trips to the dentist have found me being scolded by them for what they consider to be self-abuse.…

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Author: Don