Tag: WritingCraft
-
Introducing Microtension
In the September 2014 issue of Writer’s Digest, Donald Maass has a short but interesting article on Building Microtension Into Every Scene. The article was a fast read, and full of useful information, but I’m not going to share all of it. I want to pick out a bit at the end and discuss what…
-
My Story is Boring
I think this is a problem most writer’s face. You get to that spot in the story where everything slows down and you’re certain it’s boring. What to do? I’m facing that problem today. One solution is to raise the stakes. There are at least five different kinds of stakes that I know of, and…
-
One-Sentence Summary of your Book
When someone asks you what your book is about, do you have a one-sentence line to spit out, or do you ramble on for four minutes rehashing the plot before your listener bolts? If you do the four-minute-ramble, I’ve got a great tool for you. Unfortunately, I can’t remember where I got it. It’s scrawled…
-
Meaningful Reference Library
On her January 6 blog, Kristen Lamb posted The Writer’s Guide to a Meaningful Reference Library. It’s a list of awesome books on the craft of writing, including everything from structure and plot to building believable characters to social media. I own many of the books on the list she offers, and I agree that they…
-
To Prologue or Not To Prologue
Kristen Lamb’s post The Seven Deadly Sins of Prologues caught my attention this morning because my writing buddy and I have been debating the wisdom of using prologues in our stories. So far, her prologues survived the ax. Two of mine didn’t. Most editors and agents say that prologues are a no-no in today’s market, but…
-
A Comfy Writing Space
I had no clue what I was going to blog about today, but after reading two other blog posts regarding the same topic, I thought I’d jump in. This is a tough one for me, because while I’m organized in most areas of my life, my office space isn’t one of them. Today’s topic: Organizing…
-
Writers Write
Jeff Cohen at Hey, There’s a Dead Guy in the Living Room in a post entitled “You Can’t Fix What Isn’t There,” wrote a ton of great stuff that I needed to hear. In fact, I read it on the 28th when he posted it, then I read it again yesterday so it’d sink in. I fell…
-
Write Outside the Lines
Today I’m guest blogging at Melody Steiner’s site, so hop over and read what I wrote about marketing. Since I’m over there today, Melody’s here. Check out what she has to say about following the rules: When I was a child, teachers told me to color within the lines. So dutifully, I adjusted my…
-
O Captain! My Captain!
I am pleased to have Melody Steiner as a guest blogger through the month of July. Set aside your Saturdays for an awesome read. (I am also posting on her site every Saturday if you’re interested in what I have to say about marketing.) Here’s a bit about Melody and what she has to say: Melody…
-
Creating an Inciting Incident Worthy of Praise
I’m working through some of the awesome information provided in the book Writing a Killer Thriller by Jodie Renner. In chapter 4, she discusses how to create fabulous opening scenes. Today’s discussion is the all-important Inciting Incident. First off, you need one. An inciting incident, that is. Preferably within the first chapter or two. Wiki Answers says the inciting incident…
For What It's Worth 