Denouement is a a French word, literally meaning, “untie the knot.” In the structure of a story, it’s the point near the end where the conflicts, entanglements, and challenges are resolved (untied and smoothed out, according to the French), bringing the plot to a satisfying and read-worthy conclusion. Choose Your Definition Some writers use the literal definition of the word as they resolve all of the turmoil they have to create in their work. I tend to use the term … Read More »

You did the hard work. You dreamed, plotted, wrote, and edited the story within you that needed to be told. Then you did more hard work — writing that query letter. Some think it’s more of a challenge than writing the book itself! I’m inclined to agree. Query letters and blurbs will be the death of me, but that’s a topic for another blog. So, the carefully researched queries go out. Then what? Crickets These can be the most disheartening … Read More »

There are so many senses in which to immerse readers, and color plays a huge role in getting readers to feel like they’re right there in your story. In order to get the most out of each visual description, bust out that color palette and have some fun! Go Beyond the Obvious Sure, her dress was red, but would readers’ perception and attitude toward the character change if the dress was crimson or scarlet? Cherry red or garnet? Color can … Read More »

If you’re a writer who has unexpectedly lost hard-won sentences, paragraphs, or drafts to the electronic technology demons, you know all too well the chest-clenching feeling of panic and heartbreaking loss that comes with a file that will not open or the fatal error message that signals whatever you’ve written is forever doomed to orbit in some cyber underworld for all eternity. Never to be seen or retrieved again. Let me say straightaway that I am not technology-savvy, and most … Read More »

Even the most passionate, dedicated writer needs a break. Perhaps you’re in between projects, feel a bit bogged down by the process, or don’t have a clue where the plot of your story is headed. A vacation is a good way to step away from the writing process and give your mind a well-deserved respite. Trouble is, your brain may not be in total agreement. What then? Here are a few suggestions that will keep that creative brain happy while … Read More »

Deadlines. We all have them, and probably chafe in varying degrees when they approach. Work-related deadlines, bill-paying deadlines, and the days of the week that the trash needs to be set out at the curb (yeah, that’s a deadline, too). Some are more constrictive than others, and some we can ignore or procrastinate about a little longer before jumping in and getting things done. As a writer, deadlines take on a whole, new meaning. Agent/Publisher Deadlines If you’re working with … Read More »