Goodbye 2020
2020 is almost over … and thank goodness for that! I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that for most of us, 2020 has been a terrible year on a personal level. Creating our writing against a backdrop of anxiety, grief, isolation, trauma and anger as well as practical concerns like day jobs, unemployment, homeschooling/ caring and much more has been a real struggle.
That said, 2020 has been a steep learning curve for many of us too. B2W is no exception. I reassessed and re-evaluated my goals and strategies. I also learned new technology and methods of delivery.
In addition to that, wrote two new novels and edited another (The Coven, out February 2021). I also worked on a screenplay, my first for several years. It’s an interactive film about teenage pregnancy commissioned by the NHS by the brilliant people at TryLife.tv.
I also launched the B2W Virtual School on Teachable this year too. I have been meaning to take my workshops and courses online for many years, so I feel privileged I was able to finally do this.
So, 2020 has been challenging A.F but it has been a good year, too. I hope it has been for your writing too. Remember, even if you ‘only’ did what you could, such as thinking about your ideas or reading articles like this online — THIS IS A WIN IN A YEAR LIKE 2020!!
Top 20 Links For 2020
These are the links that were most popular this year … As you will see, Bang2writers have been especially interested in characterisation, structure, pro writer advice, representation of marginalised communities and productivity.
Simply click the headline to read the articles. Enjoy!
1) 23 Powerful Examples of Character Motivation
This is now the most popular article on the entire site, enjoying hits every single day! If you’re not sure of the difference between character motivation and character role function, give it a read.
2) 10 Lessons on Writing Women From Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Fleabag‘s unapologetic, enigmatic female lead put Waller-Bridge on the map … You guys couldn’t get enough of writer and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s advice on writing female characters.
3) Spotlight on Structure: The Story Circle by Dan Harmon
Structure is B2W’s bag and it seems like it’s yours too now. Great news! Creating a structural toolbox and seeing how pro writers do it is a great start.
4) Why Lack of Structure Is Killing Your Characters
Understanding the symbiotic relationship between characters and structure is key. This article contains a free worksheet to help you with yours.
5) How To Watch And Break Down A TV Show
So many writers watch stuff ‘for work’ … then don’t do any work! I break down how to identifying structure in produced content. (I even use the free worksheet from number 4).
6) Why Being An Expert At Structure Helps Your Writing
More on structure here, this time using an old B2W favourite – visual representations! If structure does your head in, check them out.
7) How FRIENDS Makes Character Archetypes Look Easy
Lots of writers don’t understand the difference between stereotype and archetype. I demonstrate in this article using classic sitcom Friends as a case study.
8) The Truth About Male Writers And Awful Female Characters
Sadly there are waaaaay too many examples of male writers screwing up when it comes to female characters. I explain why.
9) Spotlight on Structure: The Monomyth Versus The Hero’s Journey
These two structural templates are iconic, but lots of writers are not sure what the difference is between them. I break it down.
10) ) Jordan Peele’s Top 10 Writing Rules
Black Creatives were very popular on this site this year, especially after the summer of BLM protests. Jordan Peele wrote and made a modern classic in Get Out, so learn from him.
11) 10 Ways To Write 1000 Words By 9AM
For many writers, getting stuff done this year was a struggle … Between day jobs, homeschooling and caring for sick or elderly relatives, writing seemed to take a back seat! Here’s 10 methods for getting those words on paper.
12) Top 10 Badass Female Antiheroes You Need To Know
Very late at the end of 2019 I released my latest crime novel, Never Have I Ever which features a female antihero. I looked to my inspiration for Sam, my protagonist in this case study. You guys love a female antihero too, since this post did VERY well this year!
13) Malcolm Gladwell: ‘It Takes 10,000 Hours To Become A Writer’
This was an interesting one, because this article seemed to split opinion amongst the Bang2writers … Whilst a good chunk of you LOVED what Gladwell had to say, many of you HATED it too! If you missed it, check it out.
14) Shonda Rhimes’ Top 10 Writing Rules
Shonda is a goddess, soak up her advice NOW!
15) 3 Toxic Myths About Writing You Probably Believe
Self belief is so important to writers … and even more so in a year like 2020. Check out these toxic myths so you can cut them out of your subconscious brain.
16) 15 Awesome Tips For Cutting Down Your Page Count
Veteran TV writer and playwright Sally Abbott gave us some fantastic guidance in this article.
17) How To Become A Better Writer In Just 10 Days
Even if you can’t get actual drafts written because of 2020, you can still work on your craft. I break down how.
18) 10 Quick Tips To Write Better Disabled Characters
Disabled characters are often forgotten in the diversity conversation. Elena, herself disabled, offers some brilliant insights here.
19) Flow Chart: How To Write A Diverse Character RIGHT
So many writers worry about ‘getting it wrong’ when it comes to diverse characterisation because they don’t know where to begin. This B2W infographic breaks it down for you.
20) Stephen King’s Top 10 Writing Rules
This guy needs to introduction! A prolific writer with an enviable career going back decades, Stephen King has much wisdom to impart.
Worth A Bookmark
Not what you’re looking for? No problem … Don’t forget you can find all your B2W old favourites HERE.
Also, if you have a specific writing question, there’s now a B2W FAQs page! You can find all the As to your burning Qs by CLICKING HERE.
In the meantime, have a great holiday season. I’ll be seeing you back here in the new year.