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Why write IF

August 18th, 2010

Interactive fiction – writing software

Welcome to part three of my interactive fiction series. So far, we’ve described interactive fiction and it’s history; looked at how you can get into reading it, and how you can get into writing it. There may be some of you still wondering what the big deal is, and that’s fine. You don’t have to like it. But I’d like to have one last go at persuading you. Read more…

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3 Interactive Fiction Authoring Tools

August 14th, 2010

Last week I gave you a brief introduction to Interactive Fiction (IF). This week, I’m showing you three tools for creating IF for all of those peops whose interest was piqued. Each takes a unique approach, so read carefully to pick the one that is right for you. Read more…

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Interactive Fiction – An introduction (updated)

August 5th, 2010

And now for something completely different. As followers of my Twitter stream will know, in the last few weeks I’ve been getting into Interactive Fiction (or IF). It allows me to combine two of my great passions – writing and gaming (and reading, I guess – three)! Honestly, I don’t know how I managed to miss it for so long! So, I’m writing a series of blog posts to share what I’ve discovered. First off is a bit of background, and a guide to what you need to get playing. Read more…

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Writing tweeps I follow

July 30th, 2010

Twitter, as we should all know by now, is an excellent resource for links, tools, insight and marketing for writers. Since I started getmewriting I have been relatively active on Twitter, and I have gathered a list of respectable writers and people who talk/write/think about writing. It just wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t share that list, so here are ten good ones. Take a look at their Twitter page and their stream, and follow these guys and gals! Read more…

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10 apps to increase your focus

July 9th, 2010

Here is the promised list of productivity applications that aim to get you focussed during a writing session. It took a little longer than expected because I wanted to represent Windows users as well as I could (productivity tools seem to be a much healthier sub-culture on Macs for some reason). So behold a great list below of tools to focus for both Mac and Windows writers! Read more…

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Habitual writing

July 1st, 2010

Habits, surely, are some of the most effective tools on a writer’s belt. I’ve written before about getting into a writing routine; of establishing times where you do nothing but write. Habits around objects may be just as important. Read more…

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Why a novelist?

June 25th, 2010

I have written about why it is I want to write before. It’s a very good question for any writer to ask themselves given the personal sacrifices that will inevitably follow. But I’ve never paused to consider why I specifically want to be a novelist. Read more…

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Character hotseating

June 17th, 2010

I want to talk for a bit about developing well developed characters. I’ve mentioned back-story before, but not in this context. I’m of the opinion that the most important part of a character is their history. It informs their reactions to current events, and in contemporary story-telling, sometimes a character’s reactions are all you’ve got to describe the character. Read more…

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As good as a rest

June 10th, 2010

I’m nearly at the point in my novel where I said I would stop for a break. But now that I’m so close to that point, I’m really really crawling, and finding it hard to get into it. Read more…

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Oi! No slacking!

May 10th, 2010

It seems that there is a definite downside to the tracking method I use. While it can be very encouraging, I personally have a tendency to relax and shirk off if I’ve done well. Read more…

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