THURSDAY LINKS ~ Reads on Writing, Self-Publishing & Better Living: Daily Rituals

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Quote of the day

A solid routine fosters a well-worn groove for one’s mental energies and helps stave off the tyranny of moods.
~MASON CURREY, author of Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

WRITING

Writing Fish-Out-of-Water Characters, Write on Sisters | Tweet

The fish-out-of-water character is one of my favorites. It is remarkably versatile and there are so many story situations it works perfectly for (18 according to TV Tropes). I’m currently writing a fish-out-of-water character, which should not be confused with using a fish-out-of-water plot device.

The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film, and TV

Talking Heads Avoidance Device, Live Write Thrive | Tweet

Writers might get their dialogue mechanics down pat, appropriately using speech and narrative tags effectively, and avoiding that “on the nose” dialogue that just doesn’t come across as believable. But all the great dialogue in the world will still be problematic if it’s floating in space, coming out of talking heads that don’t seem to have bodies attached to them.

How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript

How To Create a Memorable Setting in your Book or Screenplay, Pat Verducci | Tweet

It’s really impossible to overstate the importance of setting in your story. Setting is not just the environment in which your characters exist, but also includes the historical time in which your narrative unfolds. Where are your characters? When is your story taking place?

Writing Vivid Settings (Writer’s Craft)

Simple questions for writers, Seth’s Blog | Tweet

Writing can make a difference. Write to make a difference.
Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content

SCREENWRITING

Director Robert Zemeckis Talks ‘The Walk’ and Adaptation, Script Mag | Tweet

At the recent New York Film Festival press screening of The Walk, director Robert Zemeckis spoke about adapting his film for the screen. Based on the book To Reach the Clouds by Philippe Petit (the tightrope walker), The Walk is written by Robert Zemeckis and Christopher Browne.

Part 2: If you are a beginning screenwriter…, Go Into The Story | Tweet

A simple formula to be a more productive and better screenwriter. What is that formula? 1, 2, 7, 14.

Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting

SELF-PUBLISHING

Why Traditionally Published Authors Are Choosing to Go Indie, IndieReader | Tweet

As self-publishing shrugs off its “vanity press” stigma and becomes recognized as a bona fide and lucrative option, more and more authors are finding that going indie just makes more sense.

Self-Publishing on a Shoestring: Insanely Helpful Links For Indie Authors

MOTIVATION

Nobody cares how hard you work, 99u | Tweet

As you sink into the couch, or slide onto the barstool, at the end of an exhausting workday, it’s hard not to experience the warm glow of self-congratulation. After all, you put in the hours, cranked through the to-do list; you invested the effort, and got things done. Surely you’re entitled to a little smugness?

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

FOOD

Just because Martha Stewart cooks pasta in one pan doesn’t mean you should, Quartz | Tweet

Pasta is perfect. Fact. It’s delicious, it’s easy to make and—no matter what carb-hating, paleo-enthusiasts will tell you—it’s a perfectly fine food to consume. Pasta won’t make you fat, and if you disagree you are welcome to try and tell Sophia Loren.

One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Positive Psychology: Assessing Personal and Professional Performance, The Finance Professionals’ Post | Tweet

Below is a simple three-question self-assessment from the perspective of positive psychology that might encourage you to take a different perspective on your personal and professional development.

Trading Psychology 2.0: From Best Practices to Best Processes (Wiley Trading)