We’re halfway through November, which means it’s the midway point of NaNoWriMo. Just like millions of other writers, I started on 1 November. I had outlined my novel, created my characters and got going. Without the intention of reaching 50k.
Author: Marieke Mills
I’m Marieke, a writer of fantasy. I’m Dutch, love sushi, adore dogs, am an avid reader, eat vegan/vegetarian half of the time and have a great love for the English language. I’m currently working on my first fantasy novel, The Fourth Ruling.
Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus | How Mary Shelley Crafted an Epic Tale
Halloween was the perfect time to start reading one of the classics: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This narrative surprised me in more ways than one. In many regards I had formed the story in my head the way Hollywood had shaped it. A mad scientist, thunder and lightning, a barely sentient monster with bolts in […]
My big move to the UK
I’ve just gone through a big change. As of the start of October I’ve emigrated from the Netherlands to the beautiful Leeds in the UK. Yorkshire, hello!
Storytelling in The Picture of Dorian Gray
For my first storytelling review on YouTube I decided to choose The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. It’s a great classic for a reason. Wilde’s poetic writing, his plot twists and Dorian Gray’s character arc mold the story of the narcissistic Dorian Gray. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Write with all senses
Senses, we have five of them: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. For creative writing, you can accomplish a lot using all of the senses. To truly engage a reader in the surroundings of your world, you can use so much more than just the eyes to explain what your story is made up of.
How Designated Survivor makes politics about people
My most recent Netflix binge series is Designated Survivor. I’ve been amazed at how they manage to make politics so much about people. Taking a closer look at the storytelling, I’m starting to understand exactly why this show on politics is so approachable.
Writing, only do it when you love it
Becoming a writer, especially a creative writer, should only be done when you truly love the written word. What makes writing so different from other jobs? Well… you’ll write a hell of a lot of words without getting paid before you might possibly eventually get somewhere. So, you’d better love what you’re doing.
Why writing is all about the details
Details, they are so fundamentally important in storytelling. I didn’t realise many years ago that it were the details, which made me love stories.
The 5 greatest podcasts for writers
Podcasts are the best. Especially those about writing, because they provide so much information. Better yet, you can listen to a podcast while commuting, walking or cleaning. Here are 5 of the greatest podcasts for writers out there!
Changing Your Story All Over Again
I made a decision just last week. Rather than a trilogy, my current project ‘The Fourth Ruling’ is going to be a standalone. It is frustrating in some ways, but liberating in others.