Writing Craft
First Page Critique
I believe it’s easiest to learn from example, so I’ll be doing this from time to time – analyzing a generous and brave writer’s donated work. Thank you for trusting me with your baby! This isn’t a bad beginning. My main points are: Remember, the reader comes cold to the page. You can’t even assume…
Read MoreTrust Your Reader!
I am a very lean writer (not a lean person, mind you, that’s a different meeting). I think when you pare a sentence to its essence, making sure that every word is critical and sparkly, that’s when the power comes through. Many writers (and not just beginners) end up saying something more than once. It…
Read MoreEssentials of a Writer’s Library Part III – Writer’s Life
Let’s talk about what I call, ‘Writer’s Life’ books. I have two sections of these in my library. I’m going to cheat and offer my faves from both sections Section 1: Those written by writers about how they write, with nuggets of wisdom for other writers On Writing – Stephen King is in…
Read MoreEssentials of a Writer’s Library – Part II – Editing
As promised, this is the second in my ‘Writer’s Library’ series. This segment is harder for me, because I hate editing with the passion of a kid having to eat asparagus. But, as Patricia Fuller said, ‘Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear.’ So…
Read MoreEssentials of a Writer’s Library – Part 1 Craft
I’ve been thinking about craft books lately, because I just read a fantastic one (more on that in a bit). Take a look at your craft book shelf…wait, you do have a craft book shelf, right? In my opinion, if you’re a serious writer, you’d better. I looked at mine and they seem to fall…
Read MoreWhat’s the Worst that Can Happen? Your Character’s Biggest Fear
I read a lot about craft. Books, blogs, articles, websites. I’m always looking to improve my craft. I know you are too, or you wouldn’t be reading this. One of my weaknesses is Plotting. I know these amazing characters – like Athena, they are born, fully formed. I’m just not so sure what they’re there…
Read MoreTwo Words to Strengthen Your Writing: Margie Lawson
I’ll bet this name is not new to you (if it is, check her out!) she’s been around for years. But have you taken any of her classes? Done a Fab 30? Been to an Immersion? If not, why? You can check out Lawson Writers Academy HERE. No, Margie doesn’t pay me for commercials. I’m…
Read MoreUse Excel to Track Your Novel
Learning how you write a book is like finding your way in a pitch black room full of furniture. You can learn by barking your shins, but there are less painful ways. Hopefully, this post will help. I’m an organized person, so it would make me crazy trying to locate details in my WIP. Which…
Read MoreThe Dreaded Dialogue Tag
Okay, I admit it. I’m prejudiced against dialogue tags. Yes, I know they say, ‘He said/she said’ are invisible to the reader. They’re not to me. Even if you don’t share my pet peeve, why settle for something so boring? You write a sparkling line of dialogue, and slap ‘he said’ on the end? Why…
Read MoreWho Needs Secondary Characters?
I don’t know about you, but I can’t write a book without secondary characters. Yes, I’ve read books without them (or ones where they had tiny roles), but I can’t write that way. I’ve never gotten over my crush – how about you? I mean, where would The Lion King be without the hyenas? Where…
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