All writers need an editor. Stephen King needs one. JK Rowling needs one. You and me? We DEFINITELY need one. But this is where it gets confusing...because there are many types of editors. How do we know what we need? Well, Jennie Nash, super smart woman that she is, had a smashing idea: to … [Read more...] about The Different Kinds of Editing: A Breakdown (with Examples)
Search Results for: what killed it for me
10 Ways to Goose the Muse
Calliope, the muse of epic poetry and story, is a fickle goddess. She drops in depending on her mood, tickles the imagination, and then takes off to party with Aphrodite. Homer famously called on the muse at the beginning of The Illiad and The Odyssey, and she deigned to answer the blind poet. But … [Read more...] about 10 Ways to Goose the Muse
How to Tell If Your Story Needs a Resolution
One of the last things you’ll consider for a story is whether to write a resolution. This short sequence of scenes (or a single scene) after the climax can conclude secondary storylines, offer a glimpse into the protagonist’s new life, or pull a last-minute twist that changes everything. But in … [Read more...] about How to Tell If Your Story Needs a Resolution
Is it a Flashback?
The incomparable Kristen Lamb is here today to talk about flashbacks. If you don't know how knowledgeable Kristen is, you'll know by the end of the post, where you can find information on her blog and craft classes, which I'm sure you'll want to check out... Angela and Becca were gracious enough … [Read more...] about Is it a Flashback?
Why Characters Need Choices in Fiction
Help me welcome one of our favorite people, Janice Hardy (@Janice_Hardy). She has a great post on the importance of providing characters with stake-heavy choices, so please read on. :) Choices drive every single conflict in a novel. The protagonist wants something (the goal), something is … [Read more...] about Why Characters Need Choices in Fiction
Complex Characters and the Power of Contradiction
You've likely seen countless posts and resources related to creating great characters, but almost all of them seem to be lacking in one aspect I've found to be perhaps the most powerful: giving your characters contradictions. Some might read this and say, "Huh? Isn't that inconsistent … [Read more...] about Complex Characters and the Power of Contradiction
Character Motivation Entry: Escaping Invaders
What does your character want? This is an important question to answer because it determines what your protagonist hopes to achieve by the story's end. If the goal, or outer motivation, is written well, readers will identify fairly quickly what the overall story goal's going to be and … [Read more...] about Character Motivation Entry: Escaping Invaders
Finding the Sweet Starting Spot for Your Story
I used to hate writing story openings. I could never find the right spot the first time around. Sometimes, I started too far into the current story, leaving readers scratching their heads and squinting as they tried to figure out what the heck was going on. Other times, I started too early—well … [Read more...] about Finding the Sweet Starting Spot for Your Story
Motivation Thesaurus: Stopping an Event from Happening
What does your character want? This is an important question to answer because it determines what your protagonist hopes to achieve by the story's end. If the goal, or outer motivation, is written well, readers will identify fairly quickly what the overall story goal's going to be and … [Read more...] about Motivation Thesaurus: Stopping an Event from Happening
Emotional Wound: Losing a Loved One To A Random Act of Violence
When you're writing a character, it's important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of a character's backstory is her emotional wound. This negative experience from the past is so intense that a character … [Read more...] about Emotional Wound: Losing a Loved One To A Random Act of Violence
Emotional Wound: Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood
When you're writing a character, it's important to know why she is the way she is. Knowing her backstory is important to achieving this end, and one of the most impactful pieces of a character's backstory is her emotional wound. This negative experience from the past … [Read more...] about Emotional Wound: Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood
Talent and Skill Thesaurus: Strong Breath Control
Choosing a talent or skill that fits with your character's personality, lifestyle, and values can go a long way to helping them break free of the common stereotypes seen so often in fiction. This thesaurus will help you find the perfect quality or two that will show readers your character's … [Read more...] about Talent and Skill Thesaurus: Strong Breath Control