One of the most common questions I hear from novel writers is about writing time jumps, or flashbacks. A novel that is nonlinear can add rich depth to a story, but chaos and confusion are always lurking. Writing Tip for Today: If a novel’s narrative jumps around in time, what are some ways to prevent […]
Books
I always find a way to write about the broken—we who are often weighed down by sadness or challenges but never without hope. I hope my stories will help you experience God’s peace, comfort and boundless love.
Coaching
Are you a writer who wants to take your craft to the next level?
Perhaps you have an idea for a novel burning in your chest, but you don’t know where to start? Let’s talk!
Speaking
Linda loves speaking to groups large or small and enjoys connecting with others.
Linda’s engaging and articulate style helps make her a dynamic speaker.
from the blog:
Writing Supporting Characters
Oprah famously said, “Everybody gets a car.” For fiction writing, we can say, “Everybody gets an arc.” Writing Tip for Today: Writing a character arc for every character in a story helps provide a richer more complete reader experience. Here are some tips: Everybody Wants Give even the supporting players in your story a goal. […]
Writing Fiction: Chapter Lengths
How Long Should Chapters Be? Working with a terrific young writer, the topic of chapter length has been on my mind. When you write a novel how long should your chapters be? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s examine fiction chapter lengths and what those lengths mean to readers. Same or Different? Take a look at […]
Writing Minor Characters
Writers spend a lot of time researching, planning and digging deep into their protagonists’ qualities. We know that readers need a strong main character to care about. But what about the supporting cast? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some ways to bring secondary characters to life in ways that complement the protagonist. Cast […]
Writing that Shows and Tells
You’ve no doubt heard the advice to “show, don’t tell” in your writing. It’s the basic rule of effective writing. Seems simple enough, until you’re staring at your work-in-progress. Then, show don’t tell becomes a wrestling match in the writer’s mind. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s talk about what “showing” means in your writing—and when […]
Writing Multiple POVs
So many novels today are told in more than one point of view or POV. While adding voices to the protagonist’s story seems simple, writing effective multiple POV stories takes skill and purpose. Writing Tip for Today: What are some things to consider in writing a multiple POV story or novel? Purpose The most important […]
LINDA S. CLARE
Linda has always been a daydreamer, artist and storyteller. In addition to doting on grandbabies, collecting too many cats, gardening and walking on the beach, she loves to write and to help writers develop their skills.
A SKY WITHOUT STARS
Frankie Chasing Bear is caught between cultures. She wants to raise her son Harold to revere his Lakota heritage, but she also thinks he will need to learn the white man’s ways to succeed. After the untimely death of her husband, Frankie joins the U.S. Government’s Relocation Program and moves to Arizona. There she begins sewing a Lakota Star pattern quilt for Harold with tribal wisdom sung, sewn, and prayed into it.
