Spam is a pain, and it seems to be getting more pervasive. Not only is it on the other end of the phone, in my letterbox, and in my email, it has also crept on to Twitter. But I have at least found use for a certain type of email spam. Here’s how you can turn spam frustration into inspiration. Read more…
My writing has been sporadic at the moment. This I put down largely to having a few things on my mind – the impending gift-giving ceremony being one; my stuffy cold, another lots of things to do at work; many other things. I find having my attention so divided tiring, so the natural thing for me to do once I get a moment on the train is to slack off and relax. Read more…
I know this isn’t exactly a new topic, but I was thinking about this over the weekend. What is it that compels us to write? What is it that compels me to write?Â
Let’s have a look shall we? Read more…
I’m aware that for anyone who is interested in interactive fiction, this is already old news. But, it is ongoing, so I’d like to help keep it out there. For those who don’t know, Andrew Plotkin has taken the plunge and decided to make writing IF his full-time job! But, more than that, he has so far raised over $26,000 to do it! Read more…
There will inevitably come a time as a writer when you are assailed by this. I figured I’d do a post on this now because I’m currently in the midst of a tempest of self-doubt. As you can tell by the florid and melodramatic imagery that will be peppered throughout. Read more…
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a new journal that my wife bought me. I think I’ve now found a god use for it, so read on for one idea about how to use a journal. Read more…
A couple of months ago, Craig wrote a post about calling himself a writer. At the time, a friend of mine tweeted a response, questioning whether you can call yourself a writer without having published anything. I fervently disagreed, but it is worth taking a few moments to think about it, because there is a distinction here that should be made. Read more…
When I asked my Interactive Fiction authors questions a few weeks ago, I included some extra ones that were slightly off-topic. While not necessarily tips for the new IF author, they should certainly be of interest to those involved in IF and who want to know more about it or about the authors in question. Once again I was fortunate that they were so generous with their time, as I got back some answers even for those extra questions! I include them all here in a kind of bonus round to finish off my IF series. –
For our anniversary, my wife bought me a new notebook. She knows my strange affection for stationary (not that strange. Behave), and so got me a very nice leather bound journal. Of course, I want to use it, but am not sure what I’ll be putting in it yet, so am looking for suggestions. Read more…
Continuing our series on interactive fiction, and tips from the masters, this week we have some advice from Jacqueline A. Lott. Read more…