Writer Unboxed

Writers are simple creatures with simple needs. A firm hand and a consistent approach will solve most problems. The following steps are a failsafe guide. Bear in mind that patience may be required with the more strong-willed writer.
1. Seating: Establish your place on the chair before your writer sits down to work. She should be […]

Since I finished my manuscript a few weeks ago, I’ve been suffering from what I can only call EHS—Empty Head Syndrome. Not only do I have zero desire to write, but I can’t concentrate. My brain flits from subject to subject, restless and prickly, trying to pin down something worthy of attention. I check out […]

I’ve finished my chiropractic edits for now and have moved on to the panoramic read: I’m going through the story scene by scene, from beginning to end, with the main goal of ensuring that the story feels “right.”
It’s hard, after spending so long slogging through a story, to see faults. But there they are […]

Calling all fan-fiction dabblers! We want to hear from you. Do you:
Read fan fiction?
Write fan fiction?
Have you used fan fiction as a launching point for your writing career?
We are interested in your experiences writing, reading, and being a part of the fan-fiction community. Please e-mail me, Kathleen, at writerunboxed. I’m interested […]

God, I love this part.
Raven smiled as she peered through her SCUBA mask.
With one hand, she steadied herself in the water while gently prying the gold medallion from lava stone with her knife.  She kicked slowly in the tiny phone booth-sized alcove, careful not to stir up any silt or bump her gear against the […]

Point of view is one of the first things a writer must consider before starting any novel or short story. The usual choices are first or third person, though some writers vary the approach. Some write in third-person limited to one character’s perspective, some write in third-person omniscient, some use a combination of first or third, and some even write […]

Three weeks ago, the day before the deadline stipulated by my contract, I sent the manuscript of my fourth novel to my editor. Each time I begin a book, I set out believing that this time I’ll find the magic formula, the one that will catapult me to my rightful place among other published writers: […]

I’m editing my fingers off lately, but I wanted to pass along a couple of things…
From Guardian Unlimited: Authors and agents have been waiting nervously to see if a big publisher would attempt to grab hold of the long tail. This week Simon and Schuster in the US has emerged as that publisher, with a […]

It’s not every day your book debuts at #1 on the NYT’s Children’s Series list (now entering Week 3 at the top!), but that’s what happened to contributor Victoria Holmes’ latest release WARRIORS POWER OF THREE: The Sight.  Vicky’s brainchild about feral cat-clans struggling to survive has taken the YA world by storm.  HarperCollins sent her forth from […]

A blog is a constantly-evolving entity.  At least this one is.  We have a few things to update you on in our quest to provide fiction writers useful information, inspirations, and entertainment.
We are pleased to announce that Jason Starr will be contributing to WU.  Jason is a best-selling author of noir and crime fiction, and finds time […]

Unless you’ve been enjoying your weekend away from the computer (how dare you), you’re probably already aware of Miss Snark’s announcement that she’ll be retiring her fabu blog. The writers’ blogosphere is in deep mourning.
Miss Snark does not like my poetry. Once I even garnered a WTF from her, which gave me a strange sort […]

Science fiction is currently a tough market, so it makes the niche that C.J. Barry has carved for herself that much more astonishing.  Author of five award-winning science fiction romances, she’s been able to write what she loves and generate a loyal following.  Her bestselling UNForgettable series is peppered with lightning-fast repartee and goofy yet lovable […]