Writing in the passive voice is a sign of timidity – timid writer are like timid lovers: You want to get out of bed with them as soon as you can.
– Stephen King, author
There is a certain kind of person who will always look for and find some kind of grammar or style mistakes – these are not your readers. Your readers want to hear your story.
– Stephen King, author
A scene on a page is like scene in a movie – the reader sees it in his mind. If there not enough visual stimulation in the scene the reader will tune out. Write dynamic scenes.
– Michael Moorcock, fantasy author, the Elric novels
Do not write in the first person – readers want a an intense personal experience, but not so intense and personal it frightens them. 3rd person gives you more flexibility and more distance.
– Mario Puzo, author, “The Godfather”
Writing is not rock and roll – you need room and quiet to concentrate for long periods of time.
– Mario Puzo, author, “The Godfather”
Take out all the fat, the knick knacks, the asides, the distractions and the conundrums – give your reader a clear road to drive down.
– Billy Wilder, writer and director (“The Apartment,” “Some Like it Hot,” “Double Indemnity”).
Self-doubt is a writer’s constant companion – you have to learn to deal with her or she will kill you.
– Joss Whedon, writer and director (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Avengers”).
She will come to you after the initial excitement has worn off and the hard work has begun, when you are at your weakest. That is when you have to be strongest.
– Joss Whedon, writer and director (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Avengers”).
Test your concept in the beginning – if it stands up to your questions, it will stand up when you are finished with it. If you give into self-doubt, you will ruin it.
– Joss Whedon, writer and director (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “The Avengers”).
My 3 video series
The 13 Principles of
Anglo-American
Storytelling
I write professionally in two languages – and in two cultures. I see the differences, and they are huge. I see clearly the reason the English-language tradition of storytelling is so powerful, and so successful.
I am teach a course based on these principles and am writing a book and producing a video series about them.
I have finished a 3-part introduction to the series on video. If you write, you should watch these three videos.
The Rules:
What Writers
Say About
Writing
It is a strange custom English-language writers, from Kurt Vonnegut to Stephen King, have:
We like inventing sets of rules about writing, and more often than not, the last rule is, “There are no rules.”
In this video series, I take those lists of rules and discuss them point by pint – my own experience, examples and what it means for you as a writer.
Enjoy!
Writing & Ranting:
My Thoughts
on the Art
As I teach writing, as I write, and as I read, I think about writing.
These are my thoughts on writing in a series of live rants, often on a Saturday morning.
Enjoy!
I teach Creative Writing online in German and English. I also coach writers working on specific projects, often in the structuring stage.
In English, I am not associated with a school at this time, but I coach individuals and offer coaching and teaching in small groups online. To find out more, send me an e-mail.
In German, I teach a number of courses online with Text-Manufaktur – to find out what I offer there and the schedule, visit their website.
I also offer coaching for individuals and small groups – for information on upcoming groups and other opportunities in German, visit my Facebook-page or send me an e-mail.
I teach Creative Writing online in German and English. I also coach writers working on specific projects, often in the structuring stage.
In English, I am not associated with a school at this time, but I coach individuals and offer coaching and teaching in small groups online. To find out more, send me an e-mail.
In German, I teach a number of courses online with Text-Manufaktur – to find out what I offer there and the schedule, visit their website.
I also offer coaching for individuals and small groups – for information on upcoming groups and other opportunities in German, visit my Facebook-page or send me an e-mail.
Everything you need to know about writing a murder mystery – in an entertaining way
For me, the mystery writing course with Eric (and his partner Astrid) was a master class. They got across everything, really everything you need to know about drama, suspense and structure of a murder mystery in an entertaining way. On top of that there were a lot of insider and practical tips that really helped me as a writer. Tiptop!
– Cornelia Härtl, “Kalte Rache,” the Lena Borowski murder mysteries, dp Verlag, www.cornelia-haertl.de
The secrets of writing murder mysteries
Heroes, villains, dramatic arcs – Eric (and his partner Astrid) reveal the secrets of writing murder mysteries. Absolutely to be recommended.
Peter Wenig, “Vergiss den Tod“ with Stephan Haas, Junius Verlag
They give you all the tools you need
Whether you’re a beginner, experienced or a pro: If you want to expand your skills as a writer, Eric Hansen (and his partner Astrid Ule) will help. They convey the craft of writing impressively and comprehensively, and if you need help developing your material with focus and determination, the best place to do it is in their “guided writing” groups. They give you all the tools you need to work on your project in a structured way and with great joy. At the same time, with specific questions and constructive criticism they help you find and use your own solutions, your own path, your own voice. I can heartily recommend every one of their courses and groups
– Alexandra Cedrino, “Die Galerie am Potsdamer Platz”, “Zeitenwende am Potsdamer Platz” and “Wiedersehen am Potsdamer Platz”, HarperCollinsGermany
A perfect duo
A perfect duo – with their ingenuity and heartfelt way, they cannot be beat.
– Wiebke Griebe, author, murder mysteries