In the dog days of summer, it’s tempting to want to relax a bit and let your story drift along on its own. Like you (perhaps) imagining yourself floating aimlessly on an inner tube on a lake somewhere — right? Trouble is, those scenes are going to read like they’ve succumbed to the summer heat or taken refuge in the shade somewhere. So, what’s to be done? Grab Your Sensory Bucket If my scene is feeling flat, like it’s fallen … Read More »

The world you create for your readers has to be a place they can picture in their minds. It has to be believable, even if it’s a fantasy world. It’s like a base camp; your reader needs to be able to settle there and feel comfortable as they acquaint themselves with the characters you create and the adventures you send them on. My novel-in-progress is set in two time periods — present-day New York City and 14th century Scotland. I … Read More »

Names are how we identify things — people, places, things, etc. For the purposes of this blog, I’m going to concentrate on the names we give to the characters in the stories we write. I have found that choosing a name is quite an undertaking, and it’s one that should not be taken lightly! A Visual Fit My character’s name needs to fit the physical body I’ve created in my mind. A tall, muscular man needs to have a name … Read More »

Details breathe life into a story. The senses are awakened and heightened, transporting the reader into the world created by the writer. But there’s another, powerful purpose to small details that brings an added dimension to a story. Don’t Overdo If you choose to give an enhanced role to a small detail, choose wisely and don’t go overboard with the number of details you emphasize; it will overwhelm and frustrate your readers. Enhance one or two, and let the rest … Read More »

When you write a series, you hope your readers will start the journey as you did — with the first book. That may not always be the case. Readers may pick up a book midway through the series or find one out of sequence that grabs their attention. As a writer, it’s your challenge to ensure that any book in a series is a satisfying, engaging experience. Stand Alone This may seem contradictory to the concept of a series, but … Read More »

If you’re going to write a credible story that your readers will want to invest in, it must be believable. And to be believable, you have to research, research, research! I know it can be tedious, and I sometimes wonder if readers would notice if something is a little “off.” Trust me, they will! There are no shortcuts in this department (even fantasy must be believable), so let research become your best friend and ally! Don’t Turn Them Off! One … Read More »