The written word holds a power both bewitching and dread. The right words can topple kingdoms, grant immortality—even change the course of the world. Join me in The Laboratory as I delve into the foundations and principles of writing, from developing ideas and crafting an authorial voice to caring for yourself and building your community as a writer. New episodes are released every other Wednesday. Pull up a chair and settle in amongst the bubbling brews and frothing phials of the writer’s craft.
A Storied Conversation: Derivative Works in the Literary Canon
Concerns about a dearth of originality have long haunted writing communities. What’s helpful to remember is that, like their authors, stories have vast and varied roots. One concept could have a thousand different interpretations under a thousand different pens. Even responding to another person’s work more directly—provided it’s done responsibly—can be of benefit to writers the world over.
In today’s episode of The Laboratory, I speak with my good friend, Nowreen Haque—a connoisseur of literary histories, pop culture and fan fiction—about the role that derivative works serve in the broader literary dialogue. We’ll discuss the concept of derivative literature, examples in both the literary canon and in fan fiction, what constitutes a “ripoff” of a work and, lastly, how writers can use derivative work to explore important concepts and strengthen their own skills with consideration to those creators that came before.
Can I Ask for That? How to Negotiate with an Editor
Approaching an editor with your writing can seem pretty daunting to begin with. Then there’s the discussion about the cost of the service. While it’s important for authors to understand how and why editors charge certain rates to avoid sticker shock, this knowledge may also give authors the opportunity to customize the process for their specific project needs, and, in doing so, save on the overall cost.
In today’s podcast episode, I’ll give you an overview of how editors establish their rates and how you as a client can approach negotiating the cost of a project with an editor you’re looking to hire.
The Great Juggling Writer: How to Manage Multiple Writing Projects
As creatives we often worry about having enough to say and getting stuck for ideas. But, on the other end of the spectrum of writerly lament, is the fact that our minds are often alight with too many ideas to comfortably fit into one lifetime.
It can be a good problem to have, if you can wrangle them all and tune out the noise, but too often it can get us stuck, frozen in place and unsure of what we should devote ourselves to in a set spate of time. Having too many projects on the go can start to look alarmingly similar to the existential dread we face on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to the creative process.
So how do we orient ourselves and decide between so many glittering treasures? In today’s episode we tackle the age-old question of how to handle multiple writing projects.
Developing Your Writing Practice
As we start this new year, I’m sure a lot of writers are contending with resolutions to write more. But before you throw yourself whole hog into a new routine or schedule and end up burnt out, consider taking a moment to think about your approach first. In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on how to frame your goals so they are manageable and sustainable.
Writing & Editing with ADHD
Today I’d like to talk about something more on the personal side.
About two years ago now, I (as I suspect is true for many of us as a result of the pandemic) was diagnosed with ADHD. I’ve been learning a lot since that time, and I have this feeling that I’m catching up now with perhaps where I should have been all along. Of course, I guess that’s the case when you find out a lot of your challenges have an actual, demonstrable root cause that’s actually been with you your whole life. But even if it was a mystery for a long time, it still had a profound impact on me, including with my writing practice and work as an editor.
Updates to Post Format & Frequency
I’ve long held that social contracts (even if it’s just me announcing an intent to follow through on something) help tremendously with my productivity, so it’s only fair that I address it when things change. Here’s a quick post to share some updates to blog format and frequency.
A Little More About Me
Hi! For anyone new here, I’m Mary. I started this blog a few months ago now, so I figured it might be time to give you a little more insight into who I am.
Finding Your Writing Group
Writing is often thought of as a lonely endeavour, and while it’s true that most stories only have one author, it doesn’t mean the process must—or should—exclude other people. Belonging to a community and having a support network behind you can help combat feelings of isolation, motivate you to write more and even make your writing better.
Should I Hire an Editor?
At some point you might ask yourself: should I hire an editor? Though there are a few factors to consider, hiring an editor is an investment in your project that helps ready it for publication. So where do you start?
Resources for Writers & Editors
I provide writing guidance based on my own experience and training here in the Laboratory, but there are plenty of incredible resources out there for writers and editors. The list below contains some of those I’ve personally used and recommend. I will continue to update this list over time.
Welcome to Elixir Editorial
Along with editing, I’ve been known to spin a yarn or two about the literary arts. Join me in the laboratory on Wednesdays for a deep dive on the principles of writing.