Process
Five Problems With Being a Writer (and How to Solve Them!)
Being a writer means that you have a lot of neuroses. Making it fun is when you need to overcome those neuroses in order to get something on the page. With that in mind, here are some of the more basic problems writers face and how to overcome them.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
A Suggestion For Comic Book Scripts
One of the problems with writing comic book scripts is that there seems to be no consensus on how to write a comic book script. While Marvel and DC seem to have a template, they don't seem to put it out. Worse, writers have been told that they should use whatever method appeals to them; this has resulted in a range of formats from movie scripts to just throwing prose at the illustrator and letting them figure it out. These make it hard for the illustrator to figure out what the writer wants; miscommunication is always a bad thing.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
Building Villains
The villain needs to bring one thing to the story: Conflict. While it's fine for the hero to have an interior conflict, you need some sort of external conflict, the conflict that provides the punishment should the hero fail to resolve the interior issue. A villain who doesn't provide conflict is a weak villain and needs to be better well-defined.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
How I Outline
Everyone has their own way of outlining. This stands to reason as everyone's process is different; everyone thinks differently and learns how to do things differently. Thus, it should be no surprise that everyone has a different process for doing something. My outline process is based in large part on my interest in movies; I tend to break things down intuitively in terms of the three-act structure as well as beats. Even the number of scenes I use is based on movie scripts.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
How to Develoop B-Plots
Most writers have no problem with A-plots. Even pantsers have no problems with their main plots; they may wander, but they have a pretty good idea of where they are going. However, it's the B-plots, the secondary threads, that most writers have a problem with. The problem is pretty simple: They just aren't as pretty as the longer and more convoluted main plots. Some writers even forget that B-plots serve a pretty useful purpose. It is thus pretty important to include some secondary plots in your story.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
Creating Your Very Own Multiple Personality Disorder
[First off, let's be very clear: This has little to do with the actual psychological disorder as currently recognized beyond the name. My sincerest apologies for any offense from those actually suffering from said disorder, but I needed a way to explain the situation succinctly, and unfortunately this was the easiest. However, as shall be readily apparent there are enough similarities to warrant its use.]
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
Clear and simple solutions to everyday tech problems
You bought that off the shelf computer last year because it was a good deal but you’ve recently got the itch to do some gaming. All your friends are playing and you don’t want to be left out. Sound familiar? To get started you went and ordered a graphics card but now you have a problem. It won’t fit in your case. Uh-oh.
By Mst. Sumaiya2 years ago in Writers
How Simple Can a Villain Be?
The antagonist of a story is arguably the most important character. Few characters help define the theme as well as the antagonist, and an antagonist that doesn't challenge the protagonist is just weak; there is little wonder why so much care goes into defining the antagonist. However, sometimes you want to use a simple antagonist; sometimes using a well-developed villain just doesn't work; sometimes you want to have a villain that's just an elemental force of nature rather than something that has been fully developed. There are some issues that you need to consider.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
Dealing With Writer's Block
Every writer has to deal with writer's block at some time. This is that moment when you just can't focus on the story when you've run out of steam, when you look at the screen and nothing appears on it; these moments are the ones that every writer dreads. While there are many causes, there are some simple ways to deal with them and get back to writing.
By Jamais Jochim2 years ago in Writers
An ode to being lost in life
Because when you just dream about it in your heart, work hard for it and believe in the universe to perform its magic, it conspires in the best-designated ways to make your dreams come true. I have always believed in the higher power, something beyond the fathomable vision of the human eye that beholds us, ties us to our purpose and protects us in times of uncertainty and dejection. It is comforting to know that some mighty and divine force beckons us in moments of need and sometimes all we need to do is let go and have faith. Life in its truest mirth often transcends through the truces of rationalisation and delusion, through the light of knowing exactly what to do and under the traces of pretence which hides the scariest part, not having a single clue as to where your life is going.
By Hridya Sharma2 years ago in Writers
What Is Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) | Why Does It Matter?
Every business that deals with products—whether manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce—must keep track of its Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Understanding COGS helps businesses determine profitability, manage expenses, and make informed financial decisions. This blog explores what COGS is, how it's calculated, its significance, and how businesses can optimize it to improve financial performance.
By Miss Divya Shukla2 years ago in Writers
