Here's an excerpt from his post on showing vs. telling:My interpretation is this. With the understanding that "if it works it works," and there are always exceptions, in general: universal emotions should not be "told." Instead, we should be shown how the character is reacting to their feelings.I'm of the opinion that we read books... Continue Reading →
How to revise a novel
Holly Lisle revises 150,000 words in two weeks. Can you, following her formula? The main ingredients:- your manuscript- a spiral bound notebook- four colored pens- your character notes/background file you used creating the bookMy favorite part? She instructs us to celebrate at the end.
What is this good writing of which people speak?
Cheryl Klein. Could she be any more wonderful? Doubtful. She writes, she edits, she bakes cakes...And now, she offers the five hallmarks of great writing on her blog: prose, characterization, emotional depth, plot construction and thematic richness. Check out the post on Chavelaque for more on each, along with her selections of books that excel... Continue Reading →
Creating a fantasy?
Here are questions you can ask when you're in the world-building phase.They're by Patricia C. Wrede, who wrote the terrific ENCHANTED FOREST CHRONICLES.
A big myth
The agent Colleen Lindsay has an excellent post on The Swivet about a misperception that bigger is better when it comes to books. Usually, this isn't the case--and it can sometimes be a marker that you're not yet a good enough writer to pare your story down to its essence.This is a must-read post, especially... Continue Reading →
Does self-editing make you crazy?
Here's an interesting take by Sean D'Souza on why we self-edit and what we need to do to get over it. (Hint: write more. Lots more.)Write. Edit. Write. Edit. Edit. Edit. Edit. Write.Does this sound familiar? If it doesn’t then you’re probably from Mars, because most of us drive ourselves crazy with self-editing when we... Continue Reading →
Authors, Artists, and Poets: Stay Vulnerable
Have you seen this wonderful video by multi-talented author, Beth Kephart?Beth is the inaugural Writer-in-Residence over at readergirlz, where you can check out more of her vlogs and posts on writing!
Elana Roth’s book recommendations
Caren Johnson Literary agent Elana Roth made good on her promise to recommend great craft books for us. Here are some of her favorites:Narrative Design by Madison Smartt Bell The Making of a Story: A Norton Guide to Creative Writing by Alice LaPlante Story by Robert McKee (this is a screenwriting one, but good) Plot... Continue Reading →
Get started with a critique group
Fall is a great time to join a critique group. If you are looking for a critique group please email Lois Brandt, your critique group coordinator. Tell her your location (in Seattle specify neighborhood) and genre. [email protected] Lois:Why join a critique group? I am so glad you asked. Here's the quote I read at Tuesday... Continue Reading →
Good beginnings: two agents discuss
Chris Richman and Michael Stearns of Upstart Crow Literary have started a series of podcasts on the craft of writing. This is what they have to say about books with strong beginnings.