One of my students struggled with some proposed changes to her novel. We meet weekly, and I asked her to reimagine and write a pivotal scene. When we next met, her work was outstanding—and she’d used roleplaying to make it believable and exciting. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some ideas for using roleplay […]
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 3-D Protagonists
Do you have work that has languished in a drawer or been rejected? I have at least three novels that are sitting around. Instead of immediately self-publishing or throwing the pages into the fire, it could be time to take a second look at the protagonist. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some ways to […]
Writing Argument or Revelation Scenes
Last post, we talked about how to keep the tension going higher with each scene. Now, let’s discuss how to write effective scenes where characters argue or uncover revelations about each other. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some tips for writing argument or revelation scenes: No Speechifying. One of the most common mistakes I […]
Writing Rising Action
A writing adage warns writers not to burn down the tree in the first chapter. Think of this as a plea to save writing your story’s jaw-drop moments for the best spot in the story timeline. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some ideas for building tension by saving those high-stakes moments: Tell Yourself the […]
Writing Tension in Sequel Scenes
Chase, fight or argument scenes come with what we hope is built-in tension. But how can we maintain that tension in a high-action scene’s aftermath? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s discuss some ways to keep the tension taut and provide rising action in the scene following a high-action passage, also known as a sequel scene: […]
Writing Integrated Dialogue
We’ve spent a couple of posts talking about writing dialogue. One student asks, “But how do I make my dialogue flow naturally within a scene?” Writing Tip for Today: Writing integrated dialogue requires a blend of spoken, internal and thoughts informed by visual and sensory elements that bring scenes to life. Here are three tips: […]
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.
