It’s easy to surmise that propelling readers from one scene to the next relies upon a dramatic closing hook, the evocative or provocative impression at the very end of the […]
Scene endings that make readers turn pages Read More »
Most people think they know what a scene is until they try writing one. (Isn’t that the way of most things involved in writing a novel?) So many first drafts
Listen In: Scene technique at The Editing Podcast Read More »
New writers often arrive at my editorial doorstep with the same burning question: “Is my writing worth developing, or should I trash the whole project and call it quits?” I
Writer’s Doubt: Should you keep working on this manuscript? Read More »
Keeping your characters engaged with the story keeps readers engaged with it, too. Whenever something significant happens in the story, readers expect the characters to sit up, notice, and process
Writing Strategy: The progress report Read More »
The scene structure of goal-driven scenes is akin to the classic joke setup, “A _____ and a _____ walk into a bar …” A _____ and a _____ walk into
Scene Structure: Common Goal-Driven Scene Pitfalls Read More »
When you need your sword and shield just to confront the editing process, something’s amiss. A battle for the soul of your story and writing is a sure sign that
The Write Chemistry: Find your ideal editor Read More »
Whether you’re self-publishing your novel or trying to vault to the head of the slush pile, it’s generally true that commercial-quality books are supported by commercial-quality production. Hiring skilled, experienced
What’s involved in editing your novel? Read More »
Skillful scene openings involve more than a provocative opening hook. A smooth opening ushers readers into the scene without immersion-breaking confusion or disorientation. The first technique helps you judge the
Skillful scene openings for fiction Read More »
We’ve all read stories where the characters didn’t seem to be doing what a reasonable person would do in that situation. Heck, they’re not even doing what an unreasonable person
Will readers swallow your plot? Read More »
If you’re all about the credo “move fast and break things,” you may feel confident diving from writing into self-revision and then editing. But if you like to get the
Book coaching vs. editing: What’s the difference? Read More »
