Category Archives: Writing Tips
After The First Five Pages
Noah Lukeman’s The First Five Pages alerted novelists to the need to create an intriguing opening. But the truth is, writers need to keep readers interested beyond that first scene. After the initial intrigue, what will keep them turning pages? Continue reading
Filed under Backstory, Characters, Story
Then What Is Head-Hopping?
The omniscient POV describes a story rather than simply relating events. The narrator, whether a storyteller or one of the characters or even an objective “camera-eye,” takes a certain perspective and sticks with it. Continue reading
Filed under Point of View, Story, Voice
Omniscient Point Of View
Please help me get the word out: the omniscient point of view is not the same as head hopping. It is true that the omniscient voice has been in disfavor with contemporary writers. Hence writing instructors more often than not warn new writers away from exploring what actually is a more complex option than the others. Continue reading
Oil And Vinegar, Not Oil And Water
Since April is National Poetry Month, it seems appropriate to discuss ways in which poetry can make fiction better. Continue reading
Filed under Word Use, Writing Style
Characters Can Be Cliches Too
When I was growing up, westerns dominated the small screen. As my experience expanded, I realized that it didn’t take much to figure out who the good guys were and who the bad guys were. Good guys — white hat, … Continue reading
Filed under Characters
Make It Better Than Your Best
How many times have I finished a revision, settled back, and said, “There! That’s as good as I can make it.” But surprise, surprise, after a critique session with my writing group or a go over by one of my … Continue reading
Filed under Revision
Help For The Stalled
From time to time it seems writers of fiction or non-fiction get stuck or stalled. Some people might even say blocked. There are pressures that may contribute to a mental attitude that screams, “I can’t,” but I’m not addressing those … Continue reading
Filed under Inner Conflict, Research, Writing Process
Developing The Story World
J. R. R. Tolkien referred to the world of the faery-tale as the author’s sub-creation. The truth is, all fiction has a sub-created world, or ought to. Tolkien’s point is key, but before taking a closer look at the principle, … Continue reading
Filed under Setting or Story World
The Secret To Page-Turning Fiction
There is no actual secret to page-turning fiction — writing instructors, editors, top-selling authors all know precisely what makes readers devour a story, and many of them have shared what they know in books and blogs and writing conferences. So … Continue reading
Filed under Suspense
