Tag: writing community

Friday Five: Q&A with Inventing Reality’s Rob Bignell

‘Allow yourself to write “poorly.” Later … you can edit out the junk.’

Photo of Rob Bignall, Inventing Reality Editing Services
Rob Bignall

What better way to start the new year than with some writing advice from a seasoned professional? Rob Bignell is the man behind Inventing Reality Editing Services and the author of over 80 books, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and several guidebooks for writers.

Bignell’s company name, as he explains on his website, “is a play on British author J.G. Ballard’s quotation, ‘The writer’s task is to invent the reality.’ That is, writers must create a fictional dream and in doing so, show the truth via their art.” For writers wanting to increase sales, it also means “taking the fulfillment of your dreams into your own hands, that is, turning your dream into a reality through your own hard work.” Read on for more of Bignell’s thoughts about writing, self-publishing, and marketing your work. 

Continue reading “Friday Five: Q&A with Inventing Reality’s Rob Bignell”

‘Shoveling sand into a box’

Jordan Peele and Shannon Hale on writing the first draft

Update: the quote attributed to Jordan Peele has often been attributed to another writer, Shannon Hale. I’ve amended the original post to reflect this other source.

A good friend (and friend of this blog) recently forwarded a newsletter from the Gotham Writers Workshop that included a quote from the brilliant comedian, actor, filmmaker, and writer Jordan Peele. (Note: since posting this and sharing on social media, I’ve learned the quote is also often attributed to author Shannon Hale. My apologies to Ms. Hale if I’ve attributed it to the wrong person.) This quote captures beautifully the messy process of creating a first draft. It’s so good, I need to share it with you all. And as I plow forward on my writing projects in 2025, I’m going to make this statement my mantra.

Continue reading “‘Shoveling sand into a box’”