Although fun to read, and short, picture books are not easy to write. They require laser-like precision, elegance, humor, and a deft hand at using writing techniques. The picture book writer must do everything—or almost everything—a long form novelist must do and do it in approximately 500 words. That is: characterization and character arc, setting, tension, plot arc, mood, smooth pacing and, often, humor (whether that’s for a non-fiction picture book or fiction). So good picture books are a wonderful … Read More »

Whether your reader is scrolling online or strolling through a book shop, they have an idea of what to expect when they choose a book from a particular genre. As a writer, you will want to ensure your book finds its way to the proper shelf (virtual or otherwise) so that readers will be able to find what they’re looking for. Let’s explore some expectations for a few. Keep in mind that there may be exceptions, but there are general … Read More »

What makes for good literary style? The components are so numerous that it would take all day to list them, but one that jumps out at me is description that is vivid and original. Vivid and Original Vivid: It engages your senses until you can really see, hear, taste, smell, and feel the scene the author has laid before you. In fact, she hasn’t just laid it before you. She has drawn you into it. Original: She has expressed herself … Read More »

To the reader curled up with your book, it may appear to be a random collection of thoughts, conversations, and experiences. In fact, stories are carefully constructed works that usually follow a specific formula. It’s known as a plot/story arc, where the events rise and fall and are eventually brought together and explained or resolved (denouement). Pantsers might be scoffing at this point, but I think at some point, they wrangle their works into much the same structure. For years, … Read More »

The way your characters talk — in dialogue scenes as well as in first-person narration — can not only help a reader distinguish one from the other. It can actually serve to establish who each of them is. Is he/she an optimist or a pessimist? An extrovert or an introvert? Honest or devious? Well-educated or not so much? Perhaps as important as any of these, does he/she have a sense of humor? I hope no one needs to be told … Read More »

There’s a lot of world-building that takes place when a writer embarks on the journey of creating a story. The plot guides the reader along the path from first to last sentence. Interwoven in the plot are sensory details that make the story come alive for the reader. What’s important to keep, and what can be set aside? Let’s explore some ideas that might help in the decision-making process. Part of the World? Countless interesting details will be a part … Read More »