October, 2020. Not only is it the month of Halloween, it’s also October in the midst of a pandemic. Hence, the wearing of masks. For fun. Or not. The news, shopping sites, and the world of social media is flooded with all things mask-related. In light of the bombardment, I seized the opportunity to put the idea of a mask to good use as a writer. I found a definition that didn’t warn of impending doom:  A covering for all … Read More »

If you’re a writer, it’s bound to happen. You’re in one of those treasured sweet spots where your story is all but writing itself! Then, without warning, it’s over, and you’re up against it. Now what? There is a way forward, a way to emerge victorious and keep your characters doing what they need to do. Leave, But Don’t Stop This might be a good time to leave whatever mode you’re writing in and give your mind a change of … Read More »

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 »