One of the primary goals of a fiction writer is to create a strong, unforgettable lead character. Yet, most of us have likely discovered that the full measure of many great characters is brought to light by their sidekick, partner, or buddy. This is a person who might share in the story’s adventures. Maybe it’s a character who plays the part of the reader by asking the questions the reader would ask or pointing out what the reader may or … Read More »

Perhaps it seems self-evident to warn “Don’t say the same thing over and over”—yet it needs to be said. Not because authors are a stupid lot (we aren’t), but because of the on-again-off-again nature of writing and other totally understandable things. Let me explain. I’m currently reading a good novel. The characters are interesting. The scenes are described well. The action comes on fast. Yet in the 25 pages I’ve read, it has been said no less than five times … Read More »

For those who celebrate Christmas, this is the season of reflecting on the incarnation of the Word. To bring that down to “word” with a small w and the rather less exalted profession of writing, that means that we who create novels are really taking inanimate words and spinning from them believable people and whole worlds that can pass for real. Pretty amazing, no? We give words flesh. Just As in Real Life… That’s where the old adage “Show, don’t … Read More »

The first lesson we typically learn as writers is to write what we know—good advice. After all, we want the reader to step easily into the story, sensing its truth and authenticity. But that idea can also stifle a writer. A woman I was coaching told me she would only be able to write about her divorce. “I really don’t want to re-live it,” she said, “but it’s all I feel qualified to write about.” First-hand experience may be a … Read More »

It’s November again, and that—for those, who have ever participated—may still mean NaNoWriMo. Yes, November is the month when lots of writers across the country used to engage to write a whole novel before the clock strikes December. I’m not so sure rushing out a novel in four weeks is a great idea, myself. It can be done if one enters with all the background research and prep work accomplished. Even still, it has a downside. Although it’s no longer … Read More »

For most of the world —although maybe not most of Florida—fall is a time of change. The weather is changing; the days are growing shorter and the light more oblique. The leaves change color and go through a moment of glory before they say goodbye until next spring. Some people find autumn melancholy, because we’re sliding into winter. But if you’re like me, you find it tonic. Change does a body good! It does a writer good too. Call it … Read More »