A Guide to Ink Masterpieces

Sunday's Q&A: Full Community Participation Expected!

Yes, I know that in the body description of this blog, it explains that I will make three posts a week on different subjects before reaching the Q&A on Sundays. However, as I have updated the description, I am going through quite a bit in my personal life which is preventing me from remaining on schedule. As of today, I have three different posts/articles for this blog that are partially completed due to these issues at hand. I intend to finish them soon and add them one by one as they are made available for your reference.

In the mean time, I will be sure to answer all questions asked by members of this community. Remember that this questionaire can also be used to make special requests for what topics you would like me to write specific posts on. For example, if you are having trouble with dialogue and you request I write an article on dialogue, I would add that to the top of the list of post subjects to ensure that you and other members receive the information needed to continue.


o1. Tina M. Courtney asked:

This is a great link and I hope it continues. Will it still continue and support members for the future?

The answer is yes. You will continue to see posts on different subjects that will help all types of writers, and it will also continue to support members in the future. In fact, I created a survey item- that I will include the link below for everyone to check- which allows members to fill out a link to the specific item they need feedback on, what areas they request I focus on as well whether or not they want these reviews to be permitted as public or private as some members may find my reviews tough, and may prefer not to be torn apart on the public review page despite my good intentions.

Blackwell's Brutal Reviews  [E] #1885052 If you are looking for realistic, honest, no-sugar coated feedback, I am your answer. by Lilith M. Blackwell

Once I begin to review an item, I stay with the author through out that time. I don't just give feedback and go on my merry little way. I stick by to answer any questions they may have as they are making the proper corrections and editing their work. Each time they have completed editing, I go back and review the piece all over again and remain close in touch with the author until I have provided everything I possibly can for them as writers and their work. At that point, should they choose to continue to work on their chosen piece, I will be making professional references to people who have made this their career.

Hopefully that will show you all how invested I am in this blog and in this community. Despite the rough edges, I want to see the community and its members improve in their literary skills an offer better quality literary works for myself and others to enjoy. It is unfortunate that not all members make the same type of effort I do in my reviews, but I can guarantee you as long as I continue to set an example, one day more and more members will choose to do the same; and therefore, will be contributing to the improvement of this community.


o2. Mimizz asked:

If brainstorming is really this good, then how come writers suffer from "writer's block"? Can't they use this concept to ensure the flow of ideas? Or should brainstorming be reserved exclusively for the very early stages of writing?

Actually, brainstorming is a very important tool to help a writer who is suffering from Writer's Block. Asking the infinite amount of questions that are related to the characters and the plot help the writer break the brick wall down and find direction.

Writers can use brainstorming as a concept to ensure the flow of ideas, yes; but it should not be specifically reserved for the early stages of writing. While I suggest that in most cases you brainstorm in the first steps of your new work, it is a tool that you can come back to time and time again through out the writing process. However, the earlier you start to brainstorm, the more material you have to refer to and to use as you go further along in your work. It will, in fact, require you to do less brainstorming later on in the process.


o3. Mimizz asked:

Would this cover both fictional and non-fictional writing?

Yes, this blog will cover topics on applications used for both fiction and non-fictional works. I am in the process of writing the next post which will be covering grammar. That's something every writer can use.


o4. riham_7066 stated:

The problem about the five senses with me is that is i start writing baring in mind that I have to include all five senses I just feel strangled, and stop writing. Perhaps we should just write, get the creative juices out and then while editing we could start to add here and there is the piece is truly lacking.

This is a wonderful suggestion that I received in a review from this member that I felt I should share in this blog. When you are exploring the five senses, as was expressed by this member, it can be overwhelming and even suffocating. It can stop you in your tracks. One way to approach description and applying the five senses is by getting your first draft out. Once it's done, then you go back and review it. Decide where you need more description and what sense would be best suited for that specific area. Regardless, I thought I would present a very good suggestion that other members should keep in mind if they too find themselves stuck.