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I never get writer’s block, but I do admit to a few dry spells. During one of these desert episodes, I’ll be drafting and suddenly realize that I’m only saying abstract or informational stuff. I have to remind myself to write from the deepest places. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some ideas for writing […]
In any effective story writing emotional moments are what carry readers forward. Writing Tip for Today: Here are some tips for writing high emotion scenes: Foreshadow Readers can’t feel the emotions of the character if they don’t understand the motives and background. When you write that high emotion scene, be sure that you’ve laid the […]
I don’t write many actual fight scenes, but those who write fantasy, adventure, mystery or thriller often do. Make those fights irresistible to readers with these tips. Writing Tip for Today: A few more tips for effective fight scenes: Change It Up Whether you write actual fights or verbal/emotional scraps, your readers will want variety. […]
Fight scenes in a story or novel need purpose, rising tension and differing camera angles. But wait! There’s more. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s look at some more features of effective fight scenes. Use Powerful Verbs & Words Fight scenes (literal or figurative) shine when you reach into your word bank for the most powerful […]
In the last few posts we’ve gone through “big picture” rewriting and the smaller stuff. Perhaps you’ve gone through these revisions multiple times (hurray for you!). One of the last rewrites I usually tackle is my opening: chapter one. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s talk about tips for shining up your novel’s opening in chapter […]
Diving into a rewrite has often panicked me. All those great suggestions in critique group make no sense as I stare at my document. I’ve needed to learn ways to reimagine the scene to improve its impact. Writing Tip for Today: Here are a few ideas for re-imagining a scene: In Media Res In media […]
All novelists must portray their lead characters in both predictable and unpredictable ways. By digging into what sorts of predictable unpredictability that readers look for in a character, you can increase reader engagement. Writing Tip for Today: Let’s discuss some tips for refining your character according to predictable/unpredictable traits and actions. Predictable, not Stereotypical A […]
Most of us novelists are keen to uncover story secrets, to better connect with our readers. Right now I’m reading Story Genius by Lisa Cron, and it’s opening my eyes to a better sense of how I could achieve that elusive magic. Writing tip for Today: How can we write characters who change and grow? […]
It’s a new year, but as I coach some fiction writers, I still see many of the same problems as in years past. One of the barriers to readers experiencing your fiction in the most complete way is by giving details about a character rather than painting that character in emotional strokes. Writing Tip for […]
I admit that I’m still a bit “high” on all the stuff I heard at the Donald Maass presentation. But maybe that’s because I’m convinced that a story that moves a reader emotionally is the most powerful.Writing Tip for Today: Emotional response from your reader could, I suppose, mean that said reader hates your story […]