We know that when it comes to a writer giving out the coveted red rose, plot and character are first to receive one. But guess what? Alone, they won't get very far. A great story is a team effort, so let's look at other key storytelling elements needed for our book to earn a spot on the … [Read more...] about Other Story Elements
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Revision & Editing
You finished your first draft--congratulations! One of the best feelings in the world is penning those two magical words: THE END. So what’s next? If the purpose of drafting is to get the words on the page, revision is all about refining, perfecting, and polishing those words to make your … [Read more...] about Revision & Editing
Heinlein’s Rules of Writing: Principles for Success
I want to talk today about a topic I’ve been pondering for years. YEARS. It’s Heinlein’s Rules of Writing. If this is new to you, it's a framework for writing success that consists of 5 rules established by Robert A. Heinlein—aeronautical engineer and pioneering science fiction author. Writers … [Read more...] about Heinlein’s Rules of Writing: Principles for Success
Writing Process vs. Product: Do You Focus on the Doing or the Having?
Which is more important—the process of writing or the product that results? It's not something we think much about, but as creatives, one of these two things is typically motivating us. And it's good to know what our drivers are. I'm glad David Duhr is talking about this today, because it's … [Read more...] about Writing Process vs. Product: Do You Focus on the Doing or the Having?
Opening Scenes: 3 Critical Elements
One of the most common questions I get as an editor is, “Am I starting my novel in the right place?” Let’s discuss how you can craft an opening that subtly shows you are, in fact, starting in the right place and feel confident about your choice. We often think we need to open with a huge bang, … [Read more...] about Opening Scenes: 3 Critical Elements
7 Ways Deep POV Creates Emotional Connections With Readers
Deep POV (point of view) is a popular (and lately, divisive) writing style to employ. Many blogs about deep pov will list out the same four or six foundational tools as though any newbie could pick this up and run with it from these meagre explanations. Deep POV is complex and involves many tools … [Read more...] about 7 Ways Deep POV Creates Emotional Connections With Readers
10 Steps To Revise Your Nano Novel
So, you did Nanowrimo and you made it to 50K! Congratulations, but you still have work to do. That’s right, now you need to revise … But where to start?? If you are feeling overwhelmed, then check out these 10 revision pointers. They can act as a handy checklist. 1. Wait First up, do … [Read more...] about 10 Steps To Revise Your Nano Novel
The Importance of Practice as a Writer
I've been playing basketball most of my life. When I was a kid, falling in love with the game, I happened across a book called A Sense of Where You Are by John McPhee. It was a profile of Bill Bradley when he was one of the best college hoopsters ever, nearly leading lowly Princeton to the … [Read more...] about The Importance of Practice as a Writer
Why You Should Side-Write Your Protagonist’s Origin Scene
Side writing: Any exploratory piece of writing that helps a writer get to know elements of their story but isn't intended to make its way into a draft in its entirety. Examples include journaling from a character's perspective, writing a scene from an alternate point of view, or creating … [Read more...] about Why You Should Side-Write Your Protagonist’s Origin Scene
What You Can Learn from Rhetorical Questions in Your Manuscript
It is such an easy thing to do. Once you become aware of author intrusion and what that looks like in limited third person, first person, or deep POV, the easy workaround becomes a rhetorical question. A rhetorical question is used to create dramatic effect or make a point rather than … [Read more...] about What You Can Learn from Rhetorical Questions in Your Manuscript
What “Read More to Improve Your Writing” Really Means
Everyone says you should read a lot if you want to improve your writing. A blanket statement if ever I heard one. Anyone can read. There are readers out there consuming 100, 200, and even more books a year. You don’t see them automatically writing bestselling novels. That’s because … [Read more...] about What “Read More to Improve Your Writing” Really Means
Improve Your Fiction by Studying the Brothers Grimm
We all know how important it is to read within our genre. Doing so shows us what elements make those books successful (and also what overdone tropes to avoid). But reading outside of our genre can be just as helpful. It's always a good idea to examine what works and why, so we can apply those … [Read more...] about Improve Your Fiction by Studying the Brothers Grimm