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ZARA WEST'S JOURNAL

Exploring the experience of being a writer

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Author: zarawest

I am an author of romantic novels where falling in love is always an adventure.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, WRITING TIPS4 Comments

Adding Depth to Dialogue

February 12, 2023February 12, 2023 zarawest

Dialogue should play a major role in any story. Pages full of descriptive and narrative paragraphs are less enticing than hearing the characters speak for themselves in their own voices. Dialogue has an immediacy to it that is missing from … Continue reading Adding Depth to Dialogue

BOOK REVIEWS, READING2 Comments

Jot Note Journaling for Those Who Read & Review

January 3, 2023December 10, 2022 zarawest

Do you have trouble remembering what you read? Know the title but not the author, the setting but not the characters’ names? Can’t recall that great quote or turn of phrase? Looking for examples of exemplary writing and plotting? Wish … Continue reading Jot Note Journaling for Those Who Read & Review

BOOK REVIEWS, PLOTTING TIPS, WRITING CRAFT BOOKS11 Comments

5 Writing Craft Books You Shouldn’t Miss

December 12, 2022 zarawest

Looking for a gift for a writer friend, or perhaps, one for yourself? Here are five books I have found helpful in my writing this year. Fiction Blurbs: The Best Way Forward Way by Phoebe J. Ravencraft If you hate … Continue reading 5 Writing Craft Books You Shouldn’t Miss

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, PLOTTING TIPS3 Comments

Finding Your Novel’s Theme

November 15, 2022November 15, 2022 zarawest

For the longest time, I have been pondering how to embed a theme in a novel. Isn’t it enough to have a premise, to have plenty of action and to develop each character’s arc? But while preparing the final revision … Continue reading Finding Your Novel’s Theme

DRAFTING TIPS, INSPIRATION, WRITING TIPS, Zara West Books1 Comment

Why Writing Fast & Author Voice Go Together

September 3, 2022 zarawest

One of the main things slowing down our writing speed while drafting is the infernal, internal editor. Here are three ways to override the need to write everything correctly the first time. Continue reading Why Writing Fast & Author Voice Go Together

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, REVISING TIPS, SETTING, WRITING2 Comments

5 Ways to Make Your Setting Work for You

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 zarawest

5 ways to use setting to add depth, emotion, and character development to any story Continue reading 5 Ways to Make Your Setting Work for You

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, SETTING, WRITING TIPSLeave a comment

Research Ideas for Fiction Writers

June 22, 2022November 20, 2022 zarawest

No matter what we write, doing background research will make it better.. Here are some research ideas for novelists. Continue reading Research Ideas for Fiction Writers

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, PLOTTING TIPS6 Comments

Brainstorming a Plot through Character Interviews

May 13, 2022July 14, 2022 zarawest

In character-based plotting, two or more characters with opposing goals and mindsets are set loose in a setting and must find their way to a satisfying conclusion.
Continue reading Brainstorming a Plot through Character Interviews

BOOK PROMO, BOOK REVIEWS, WORD CHOICE TIPSLeave a comment

Powerful Prose

April 24, 2022April 24, 2022 zarawest

Power Charge Your Language by Joan Koster provides a zillion ways to add vividness to your writing. Continue reading Powerful Prose

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, CREATIVITY, PLOTTING TIPS6 Comments

Brainstorming Your Plot Using GMC

April 14, 2022April 14, 2022 zarawest

GMC or Goal, Motivation, and Conflict provide a framework for brainstorming a strong plotlines and character arcs. Continue reading Brainstorming Your Plot Using GMC

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, PLOTTING TIPS, WORD CHOICE TIPS, WRITING CRAFT BOOKS, WRITING TIPS7 Comments

Using Word Storms to Plan Your Novel

March 1, 2022March 1, 2022 zarawest

If you are a writer, you love words. I know that I do. Word Storms are a writer’s way to play. They stir up creativity. They help you work through problems. They help you write your story. Continue reading Using Word Storms to Plan Your Novel

CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, PLOTTING TIPS, WRITING, WRITING TIPS4 Comments

Brainstorm Your Novel Using Brainstorming Cards

January 30, 2022 zarawest

Inspiration for a story can come from the luck of the draw. Get a free set of Brainstorming Cards and learn how to use them. Continue reading Brainstorm Your Novel Using Brainstorming Cards

CREATIVITY, PLOTTING TIPS, WRITING, WRITING TIPS, WRITING TOOLS6 Comments

Storyboard Your Novel

October 27, 2021October 27, 2021 zarawest

Storyboards are a quick, fluid way to plan a novel. It is a way to see how your story events flow together, how they match up with the plotting template you choose to use, and where there are plot holes. Continue reading Storyboard Your Novel

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, CREATIVITY, PLOTTING TIPS, WRITING, WRITING TIPS, WRITING TOOLS7 Comments

Mind Mapping Your Story Ideas

October 10, 2021October 10, 2021 zarawest

Are you a visual person? Do you hate outlining? Then mind mapping is for you. It is also a powerful tool for any writer.
A mind map is a visual representation of connected ideas. This makes it perfect for playing with different elements of a story. Continue reading Mind Mapping Your Story Ideas

CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, PLOTTING TIPS, WRITING, WRITING TIPS, WRITING TOOLS4 Comments

How to Brainstorm Your Novel into Existence

September 10, 2021May 13, 2022 zarawest

All the motivation and energy in the world will not produce a finished novel. We first need ideas. Focused brainstorming is one way to inspire them. Continue reading How to Brainstorm Your Novel into Existence

CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION, WRITING, WRITING TIPS2 Comments

Destined to Write

August 29, 2021August 29, 2021 zarawest

Writing is an adventure with a destination. To write freely and creatively a writer needs to have a clear mind, inner joy, and a path to travel. Here are some steps to take on your trip.

Continue reading Destined to Write

READING, WRITING5 Comments

Research Makes Your Setting Real

May 9, 2021May 9, 2021 zarawest

One way to create a believable fictional reality is by doing extensive background research for your book’s setting. Continue reading Research Makes Your Setting Real

PLOTTING TIPS, REVISING TIPS, WRITING TIPSLeave a comment

What Can a Writer Learn from the Principles of Art and Design?

April 5, 2021 zarawest

Both fine art and writing require creativity and hard work. They also require an understanding of structure and principles. Surprisingly, the same principles used by an artist can inspire excellent writing as well. Continue reading What Can a Writer Learn from the Principles of Art and Design?

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, WRITING, WRITING TIPSLeave a comment
woman peering through lights

Build Amazing Characters from the Inside Out

February 26, 2021February 28, 2021 zarawest

Creating amazing characters is key to writing a story readers will remember and return to again and again. Continue reading Build Amazing Characters from the Inside Out

INSPIRATION, ORGANIZING, WRITING, WRITING TIPS2 Comments
Bronze bowl with white glass beads next to my computer

Improve Your Focus: Try the Writer’s Magic Bowl

January 26, 2021February 27, 2021 zarawest

Do you have trouble maintaining your focus while writing? Are you easily distracted by things around you? Try the habit-changing Magic Jar. Continue reading Improve Your Focus: Try the Writer’s Magic Bowl

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