Though a spiderwort by any other name would indeed smell lovely, there’s every chance that nobody would give it the time of day because of it’s hideous name. Which brings me to my talking point today: Names. Not only are character names important, but place names and book titles too. The best names are the kind that hold subtle double-meanings or inspire associations that relate to characteristics, personalities or plot elements of the book, person or place.
Tag: tips
Capturing Other Cultures
Part of writing stories involving cultures or countries that you aren’t a native to can be very daunting. There is a definite line between accurate and respectful portrayals and clumsy, poorly researched stereotypes. It’s very important that this line not be crossed. Read: VERY IMPORTANT. No writer wants to offend someone – even accidentally – so it’s vital that as many measures as possible be taken to avoid any literary faux pas.
Here are a few of tips I’ve picked up over the years on how to accurately portray other cultures:
Recognising Your Writing Process
Most authors, at least in my experience, have a writing process of one form or another. Some people insist that they can’t write unless they’re in a certain mood, others feel most comfortable writing for set hours in the day. Personally, for me to get any writing done, I have to abide by a very strict set of rules. These mostly involve setting up my surroundings to encourage a creative mind-space (and usually sitting up in bed against a gargantuan stack of pillows).
C.S.Bilsborrow 