As I’ve mentioned in other posts, there are a number of reasons why I may toss a book aside and never pick it up again. Clichéd characters, dragging first chapters, too much going on…the list, sadly, is long. (For my own personal list of what NOT to do in the opening pages of your story, check … [Read more...] about Four Logic Problems that Will Ruin Your Day (and Your Manuscript)
Search Results for: conflict in every scene
Pacing Tips
I’d like to start this post by stating an opinion that I think pretty much everyone shares: Pacing Sucks. When you get it right, no one really notices. I mean, how many times have you read a 5-star review that went on and on about the awesome pacing? On the other hand, when the pacing’s off, it’s … [Read more...] about Pacing Tips
11 Novelist-Tested Ways to Defeat Writer’s Block
I'm super excited to welcome Warren Adler to our blog. He's the author of The War of The Roses and Random Hearts, which you'll likely recognize as major motion pictures from the 80s and 90s. As a successful career author, Warren has accumulated some tried-and-true methods for getting un-stuck, and … [Read more...] about 11 Novelist-Tested Ways to Defeat Writer’s Block
Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving
Writing itself is change, and within story structure, transitions are key to keeping things moving. It isn't just about getting your character from scene to scene, it's also is about communicating ideas and making sure there's a smooth flow from one piece of information to the next. Without … [Read more...] about Pulse on Pacing: How Smooth Transitions Keep Your Story Moving
Using Emotional Discharge to Power Up Your Story
Becca and I are welcoming MJ Bush today, who specializes in looking deep into story and character elements at her website, Writing Geekery. If you aren't yet a subscriber, head on over, because there are many thought-provoking posts that will help you take your writing to the next level! I'm a … [Read more...] about Using Emotional Discharge to Power Up Your Story
DESCRIPTIVE THESAURUS COLLECTION
Every descriptive thesaurus we create starts here on the blog as an experiment. Basically, we explore a topic for up to a year, and post by post, build a collection of entries that writers can use to brainstorm certain elements of their story & strengthen show-don't-tell skills. Depending … [Read more...] about DESCRIPTIVE THESAURUS COLLECTION
BOOKSTORE
Craft Powerful Stories by Mastering Description A writer's goal is to create story magic, drawing readers into the fictional lives of characters so they experience another's life journey as if it were their own. To bend the reader's reality in such a way requires skilled handling of a … [Read more...] about BOOKSTORE
Get Into The Fight: How to Write Action That Won’t Show You’ve Never Thrown a Punch
Our books are getting so close to being finished! We're in that weird almost-done stage where you can see the finish line but you still have so much left to do, and there are roughly a million decisions to be made. And all of this is happening as my daughter starts kindergarten this week. *cue … [Read more...] about Get Into The Fight: How to Write Action That Won’t Show You’ve Never Thrown a Punch
10 Things You Don’t Want In Your Novel
Crafting a story is a bit like juggling--so many elements must come into play at the right moment to put on an amazing show. There's the strong, compelling hero, damaged in some way that the reader identifies with, up against impossible odds. There's a vivid setting brimming with symbols and … [Read more...] about 10 Things You Don’t Want In Your Novel
Using a Critique Checklist
When writers ask me for advice, the first thing I emphasize is the importance of finding a critique group or partners. These support systems are invaluable for adding the objectivity we lack and helping us see where our work needs work. They also provide an opportunity to share our knowledge with … [Read more...] about Using a Critique Checklist
Increasing Your Book’s Momentum, by Editor Laura Carlson
Happy Monday, people! I'm off to Disney with the fam. I know, the timing isn't great, especially with all the CRAZY photographic evidence rumors circulating about Angela and what she's really up to this month. But never fear. I've got it covered. I brought in Laura Carlson to babysit everyone and … [Read more...] about Increasing Your Book’s Momentum, by Editor Laura Carlson
Weather and Earthly Phenomena Entry: Eclipse
WEATHER is an important element in any setting, providing sensory texture and contributing to the mood the writer wishes to create in a scene. With a deft touch, weather can enhance the character's emotional response to a specific location, it can add conflict, and it can also (lightly) foreshadow … [Read more...] about Weather and Earthly Phenomena Entry: Eclipse