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Summertime is often when writers attend conferences where editors and agents listen to pitches. What kind of nonfiction proposal should a writer have ready in case it’s requested? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s discuss some of the sections every good nonfiction proposal should contain: Act I Your nonfiction book proposal should be as polished as […]
A lot of writers with nonfiction books ideas come to the table with topics too broad or, as we discussed previously, too “me” centered and not reader-centered. Writers who mainly desire therapy for some trauma, who are bent on educating readers or who just want the world to see how much they know may be […]
Plot points, turning points, complications—these terms describe writers’ tasks for upping tension, squeezing the character and keeping readers turning pages. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some basics of writing turning points in fiction or memoir. Point: Everything Changes In every story, an event or scene must show the reader a place in which […]
Your story’s plot is like the car readers drive around the scenes of your story. But if this road trip is too meandering or breaks down, your plot could need repair. Writing Tip for Today: Here are three simple tips for getting your plot up and running. What and So What? Without a solid goal, […]
Writing conflict into your fiction may sound as simple as adding tension. Yet conflict and tension are not the same thing. Writing Tip for Today: How do conflict and tension differ, and how can we write better conflict into our stories? Conflict v. Tension Tension keeps readers wondering what will happens next. It’s that sense […]
Writing tension into every line sounds simple. But when writers struggle with this idea, the results can sink their efforts. Writing Tip for Today: What is tension and what is its role in writing? Uneasy Suspense Tension is also called uneasy suspense. Most writers understand that the climax needs tension, but to be effective, tension […]
I was raised to honor truth. In fact, my adoptive father used to say, ” If you break my rules, you’ll be punished. If you lie, you get double.” Dad’s chilling words float back to me as my son talks about how someone in his life has done him wrong. He’s been betrayed. Son’s cheeks […]
I’m working on a nonfiction book proposal. I’m passionate about the topic. But I keep worrying: Am I the right person to write the book? Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some ways to determine if you are the right person to write your book: Proposal Pufferies Every good book proposal must answer the […]
Memoir writing is one of the most common types of stories my students attempt. Hey, write what you know, right? Good memoirs demonstrate a command of the timeline. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s discuss memoir timelines and which events should form them. Time Travel Most writers begin a memoir in chronological order. But by beginning […]
Writing involves multiple revisions. But how do you know if your finishing touches are enough? Writing Tip for Today: Here are three tips to help you decide when your piece is finished: Let it Sit and Read Aloud After you’ve drafted a piece, you’ll want to set it aside for a period of time. Work […]
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. [READ MORE…]
