Our Latest Blog Posts

Double Trouble, or Making the Same Point Twice

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New York may be the city so nice they named it twice, but when it comes to novels, most readers want a point well made once and not battered home in multiple forms. There are several ways this can happen. One is by showing and telling the same fact. Here’s what I mean: She was steaming with frustration. “Why... Read More »

When Writers Get Stuck

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Writers, whether plotters or pantsers, inevitably get stuck somewhere along the way in the creation of their story and struggle to find a way forward. It’s a situation I’m familiar with, and it brought to mind a Robert Burns quote: “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” So, what’s a writer to do other than stare... Read More »

Creating Catchy Titles

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Titles are so important. After noticing the cover and spine art, what’s the next thing a reader looks at? Maybe the author’s name, but certainly, the title. It’s got to catch the eye of the beholder. Which would you rather read: Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss or When to Use the Oxford Comma? Com’on, unless you’re a... Read More »

Writing Workshop Descriptions: You Gotta Sell It!

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You have a great idea for a workshop and there is a conference coming up. Time to fill out the faculty application. How can you give yourself the best chance of being selected as a presenter? Write a stellar workshop description! Many times writers view the description as a little nonfiction blurb stating the basics of what they will... Read More »

He Said She Said—Some Thoughts on Dialogue

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Silence. Try to picture it: a novel with no dialogue. That would seem cold and distant indeed. Dialogue is showing, not telling what the characters think. It gives us their own tricks of speech, carries the weight of their emotions, lets us literally hear their own voices. Well done, it adds to the force and immediacy of the story.... Read More »

Lasagna and Writing with the Five Senses

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Successful stories take readers by the hand and invite them into the multi-sensory world the writer has created. Integrating as many senses as possible is critical to helping readers invest in the story and what is happening from one sentence/scene/chapter to the next. However, it requires a delicate touch to avoid bombarding the plot with in your face, obvious... Read More »

Kicking Your Picture Book Up a Notch (Without Adding Length)

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Picture books are jewels in the world of literature; artistic, fun, informative, and full of heart-shine. One important aspect is that they are short. Many publishers insist on less than 500 words. Yet they must have characterization, plot, setting, theme, and mood—all the same things a 90,000-word novel has. The other thing they must do is grab and retain... Read More »

Here’s to Them Who Have Gone Before! Using Antecedents

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Before you think I’m starting the New Year with a toast to the soldiers of many an ancient war, let’s reflect for a minute on our antecedents. Grammatical antecedents, that is. You know: the identifying name or noun to which a pronoun refers. John petted his dog. Whose dog? John’s, but fortunately you don’t have to say John petted... Read More »