Writers Horoscope–July 18

Your publishing company is off to a good start.

You’ve tracked down office space. [That spare lumber in the garage needed to be cleared out anyway.]

For those draining 400-word days, you’ll need that footrest. Rex the Wonder Retriever lies at the ready.

And every writer needs face time with an apathetic reader. Your tabby Whiskers is primed to ignore your every word.

 

Writers Horoscope–July 17

You’re still unpublished.

No worries. Start your own company. Give yourself a signing bonus. [A $10 coffee card ought to do the trick. Knock it down to $5 if the CFO raises a little hell.]

Make it even more realistic. Turn down your own manuscripts. Promptly. And rudely.

 

Writers Horoscope: July 16

Find a new audience today for your latest chapter.
Yes, your border collie will do just fine.  border collie

Take note of when he:

  • cocks his head [your protagonist’s actions strayed too far from her core character]
  • lets his attention drift to backyard activity [your dialogue isn’t advancing the plot]
  • growls [waaaaay too much exposition]

Writers Horoscope-July 10-Day 14

You are trustworthy and people value your opinion.

So tread lightly when discussing your fellow writer’s dystopian Victorian western.

Appreciate its vivid descriptions and move on.

***

To thank you for visiting, here is a freebie Suspense Concept List PDF.

Nope, no email address required.

It is 11 pages of words and phrases related to, in this case, the idea of suspense. I create and use these to boost my writing and idea-generation output and am going to be offering this and others in my upcoming digital dollar store. [Hey, it’s a working title. ;->]

[Actually, I think this blog’s readers could generate stories in any number of genres from these lists.]

Here is just a sample of what’s included:

  • conspiracy theory
  • courage
  • creativity
  • curiosity (inquisitiveness)
  • democracy
  • denial
  • detente
  • deterrent
  • devotion to a cause
  • diplomatic immunity
  • disastrous outcome
  • disinformation
  • disloyalty
  • hiding place
  • keyhole
  • listening post
  • locked door
  • locked file
  • locked room
  • give a tip (information)
  • go through customs
  • go through the trash
  • grant asylum
  • hear through the wall
  • hide (conceal)
  • hold an envelope up to the light
  • infiltrate
  • inform
  • interrogate
  • investigate
  • keep a secret
  • keep a straight face
  • keep up appearances
  • leak information
  • lie (tell a lie)
  • lie low
  • look over your shoulder
  • look through a keyhole
  • make a drop
  • make a mistake
  • misrepresent
  • observe
  • overthrow the government
  • plant evidence
  • protect a source

Writers Horoscope-July 8-Day 12

Today is a good news-bad news day!
Remember that coffee-splattered agent from Day 8?

  • Good news: She’ll be back in the latte line and will recognize you!
  • Bad news: She’ll plop that first draft onto your table as she exits.
  • Good news: You might ‘run into’ her again. [Order a grande.]
  • Good news: You might have just gained a new character to send to their demise during your otherwise plodding middle chapters.