Let’s get back to those quirky, fun books that writers of all ages tend to love. And what’s not to love—tight plots, precise characterization, emotional impact—all within a very controlled 32 pages and, nowadays, often with less than 700 words. They’re not easy to write, and to get right. In fact, as the author of three novels, many poems, magazine article, and 13 picture books, I find that a good picture book is the most difficult thing I write. (Maybe … Read More »

Picture books are quick reads, fun, and often gems of characterization, mood, sensual detail, and dialogue. They are also perfect for learning the basics of storytelling—regardless of the writer’s age, or genre. One thing well-written picture books do is to organize what’s happening in a coherent way—and they do this quickly. Usually within 32 pages and less than 1,000 words. There are a variety of story-mapping, or outlining, techniques that can be used in pre-writing. All of these are helpful. … Read More »

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m in love with thesauri (or thesauruses) and interesting lexicons. My husband knows, but he’s not the jealous type. In fact, he gifted me my first thesaurus—an ancient Soule’s—before we were married. It’s a treasured relic I still have almost fifty years later. (And him.) In the meantime, I’ve collected some interesting others over the years. (Not husbands.) And the internet has exploded with many you can have at your fingertips when looking for … Read More »

Today’s post takes off from where we left our Sculpting the Shapley Sentence, Part I. We’re going to look at five more techniques that might be used once you’re closing in on final revisions and really want certain sentences/phrases/sections to stick with your readers. Take a look at these quotes and then we’ll discuss what it is that makes them successful. “Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.” — Albert Einstein … Read More »

There are sentences, lyrics, or lines of poetry that stay in the mind. How does that happen? Why do we remember lines such as: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (Lord Acton) “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” (Charles Dickens) “I am Sam, Sam I am.” (Dr. Seuss) “The name’s Bond. James Bond.” (Ian Fleming) “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I … Read More »

A couple of months ago I ranted about writers (mostly poets) who insist on cutting out every a, an, and the that can be found in their writing. (Weighing the Weight of Little Words) Today, in honor of April Fool’s Day, I want to stomp some sense into those who foolishly insist on using 4 and 5 syllable words when a single, good ol’ Anglo-Saxon word will do. Some writers are obsessed with finding the bon mot—the good word. And … Read More »