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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 […]
Last post we talked about feedback and when to accept or reject suggestions for editing. As one commenter pointed out, feedback gets easier to discern when you have a solid critique group. Writing Tip for Today: What should writers focus on when giving or receiving feedback in a critique group? When you listen to a […]
After George Floyd died, I had the urge to dash across the street and hug my neighbor Phyllis long and hard. She’s Black, tall, regal-looking and we’re both Christ-followers. My arms longed to embrace one of only a handful of persons of color in my lily-white neighborhood. I wanted to tell Phyllis that I stood […]
Writers everywhere hear the sage advice to grow “thick skin.” If you can’t abide rejection, others tearing apart your work or hearing that your baby is ugly, find another occupation. Yet as you grow into your writing life, it’s also important to learn when to take feedback to heart and when to kick it to […]
The look across a crowded room. That look your mom gives when you’re naughty. The puppy dog eyes of a pleading look. In scene writing, writers are faced with so many looks. But repeating the “L” word too often may irritate readers. Writing Tip for Today: How can writers capture a full scenic experience without […]
To all my readers: I apologize for not posting these last few weeks. Life has thrown some not-so-great health-related surprises at me lately. As I fight to get back to my writing life, I thought of a few ways to keep on keeping on during these life hiccups. Writing Tip for Today: What are some […]
You’ve set up your scene and built tension as it progresses. But as you write, it dawns on you that you aren’t sure where to end the scene. Sound familiar? Writing Tip for Today: Here are some things to consider when a scene’s ending isn’t clear: Scenes as Micro-stories Scene ending trouble often crops up […]
Last week, driving to pick up some plants and gardening supplies, my three sons were all sober at the same time. The. Same. Time. The late Spring sun was out and like a lot of us Pacific Northwesters, we were itching to get growing. I couldn’t wait to get my hands dirty. Oldest was excited […]
When I start a novel, I’m nearly always tempted to go into a narrative about the story. Then, later, upon revision, I almost always rewrite the narrative to get characters in a scene, sooner. Writing Tip for Today: When should you write scene and when should you use narrative? It’s all about PACE. Set-Ups for […]
Overwriting can plague the writer who is trying too hard to make readers know, feel or think a certain way. Writers do tend to be passionate about getting their points across—as they should be. But when writing goes beyond ultraviolet into purple prose, readers wind up frustrated and confused. Writing Tip for Today: Why does […]
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…]
