Category Archives: film

Let It Suck Series: To Write Better Dialogue, Listen to Craig Ferguson (revisited)

Pulling some of my previous blogs into the “let it suck” series. This one borrows simple advice from a great comedian to help you with character dialogue. Here we go: Every fiction author wants to write great dialogue. While there … Continue reading

Posted in comics, digital publishing, ebook publishing, education, fiction, film, independent publishing, self-publishing, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Let It Suck Series: What Would Your Character Do?

We’ve agreed to “let it suck” on first draft, yes? Just let it rip with the writing and get a draft completed. And we’ve been discussing ways to find and refine your work during rewrite.  Now let’s let the character … Continue reading

Posted in America, comics, digital publishing, ebook publishing, education, fiction, film, independent publishing, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, pop culture, self-publishing, super-heroes, teaching, The Walking Dead, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Let It Suck Series: revisiting “Write Better With Character Profiles”

As part of the “Let It Suck” series of posts, I wanted to discuss how knowledge of your characters informs writing decisions, and this post seems crucial to include, so I am reprinting it as a companion to this week’s … Continue reading

Posted in comics, digital publishing, ebook publishing, fiction, film, independent publishing, self-publishing, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Let it suck series: Setting up setting

Elmore Leonard famously advised writers to “try to avoid the parts that readers skip”. This is a definite risk when it comes to describing where your characters are, so listen to the master when dealing with setting. I tend to … Continue reading

Posted in comics, digital publishing, ebook publishing, fiction, film, pop culture, self-publishing, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Creativity Worth Talking About

For those of you who have enjoyed my blog posts about writing and creativity, this new show may be perfect for you: https://youtu.be/HyNRNm6fx3s    </ Ryan is author of City of Woe, available on Kindle and in print. For more info, click here.<

Posted in America, comics, digital publishing, ebook publishing, education, fiction, film, independent publishing, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, pop culture, self-publishing, teaching, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Power of “What If”?

Writing is an optimistic enterprise. Even the most cynical writer, the one who believes everyone is corrupt and the world is doomed, if that person still writes, s/he proves hope is alive. If that person truly believes nothing matters, why … Continue reading

Posted in digital publishing, ebook publishing, fiction, film, independent publishing, pop culture, self-publishing, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Marvel’s Daredevil on Netflix Exceeds All Expectations But One

Yesterday, in one long and glorious binge, the goddess and I watched all of Marvel’s Daredevil Season One on Netflix. This was a wonderfully indulgent experience I thoroughly enjoyed and will never repeat. First, the show is almost perfect. The … Continue reading

Posted in America, comics, fiction, film, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, pop culture, super-heroes, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Does Disney Playset Reveal Surprise Character in Avengers: Age of Ultron?

While browsing stores with the goddess recently, I came across the item featured in photos below. Although I do not want to spread unfounded gossip or create wild rumors, the contents of what I found were intriguing enough to share. … Continue reading

Posted in America, comics, fiction, film, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, pop culture, super-heroes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Staycation: Planning a Trip to the MCU Tomorrow

Clock’s ticking. Just a few more hours until this happens. I thought it might merit republishing a slightly updated post about the joy of binge watching….   Okay, yes, I am on vacation this week, and yes, that usually means I … Continue reading

Posted in comics, fiction, film, Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe, pop culture, super-heroes, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Staycation: Planning a Trip to the MCU This Friday

Okay, yes, I am on vacation this week, and yes, that usually means I move into the den and just write full time, but this year, I am taking two vacations. One will be a short get away with the … Continue reading

Posted in comics, fiction, film, pop culture, super-heroes, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment