AmyMaidaWadsworth

I've had several people ask about writing classes recently.  Usually, I teach classes in elementary schools or as part of Community Education through various school districts.  Since I have decided to pursue my Master's Degree, I'm not currently in a position to take on 25 students at a time. So, I have set up the classes in a digital format, to be conducted through e-mail, much like a private coaching session.  Check out my page about writing classes for more information.

Ever been hooked? It tugs at first—a niggling, intriguing irritation you can’t ignore. With a splash and a surge, suddenly you’re racing along, gasping for breath, and barely aware you’ve taken the bait. You’re dragged, compelled, forced to flip the page, consuming the story as if you’re starved. When it’s all over, it’s four in the morning and you aren’t the person you were before.  You’ve been on the ride of your life. It’s a difficult task to reel in readers this way, especially in our fast-paced digital world. The first 500 words (roughly the first page and a half) should be a sample of your absolute best writing, because they’ve got to get hooked before you can reel them in. (See the points below and try to tackle them all in the first 500 words of your next book. Even if you don’t leave them all in, challenge yourself to think creatively, to explore how it could be done subtly.) If your reader puts your book down, there’s a chance he may never pick it up again. On ...

As a freelance editor, I often place bids on projects through Eschler Editing, a full service editing house that aids authors in their journey toward publication.  Now, you can take advantage of an amazing offer--a free first page critique.  The first 500 words--roughly the first page--can make or break your novel.  Check out Angela's offers and sign up for her newsletter today!  She was my editor back when I was publishing, and she's thorough, helpful, and encouraging.    http://www.eschlerediting.com/

Something happened to me when I graduated from college.  Perhaps it reveals all of the deep, dark feelings I've had about myself and my inability to accomplish my personal goals through the years, but somehow I felt more... legitimate after my graduation.  Amazing how such a small--but expensive--piece of paper can change so many things. So, I've separated my "professional" blog and my "personal" blog.  This web address will now contain blogs about my writing, and editing adventures.  For more personal posts--about my family, my faith, and my educational pursuits--you will have to go to amymaysmusings.blogspot.com

It's been forever since I've posted, but I had to post this interview I did with my friend, Robison Wells.  This interview was done as an assignment for my Creativity and Cognition class, and it was an absolute delight.  I hope you have as much fun reading as I did interviewing Rob and writing this mini-biography.    Robison Wells, Compulsive Creator             I met Rob Wells at a book signing, back when writing was his hobby instead of his full-time job.   He was personable and funny, and I liked him immediately.   Since his writing and characters were also funny and personable, I ignored my budget, bought his books, and became an instant fan.                 His newer novel, “Variant,” has been nominated for a Children’s Literature Association of Utah Beehive Award ...

Here are the PowerPoint notes from the writing workshop held on August 11.  I highly encourage you to purchase the books recommended.  Mark them up and practice the concepts they teach.  You'll learn far more from these amazing authors and teachers than you will from me!  Part 1: Story basics—review   ž Characters are key.   ž Point of view—the point of view character provides the body and mind through which we experience the story. ž Emotion is the key to any story. The point of view character shows us how to feel about the story’s events. ž Stories start with character and continue with conflict.   Without conflict, there is no story. ž The choice cycle is the basic element of fiction.   It ties your reader into point of view, provides setting through sensory input, and provides emotional interpretation of events through the character’s evaluation and choice   ž If the choice cycle is the story atom, then scenes and seq...