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Tag Archives: writing advice
Writing Challenge #7: Small Changes, Big Rewards
I usually write fiction double-spaced in Word with paragraph indents. When starting my new novel last fall, though, I opted to write single-spaced with no paragraph indents. Sure, it’s a very formal business-letter look. But each page appeared wildly different … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Revision, Writing, Writing Challenge
Tagged format, novel, writing advice
9 Comments
The Three-Fourths Theory of First Drafts
I call my work-in-progress my third novel, but really it’s number four. And in terms of books, it’s number five due to a nonfiction jazz band biography I wrote in 2000-01. But that’s another story. What those numbers mean is … Continue reading
Writing Challenge #6: Pick a Prompt and Go for It!
When I interviewed novelist Yuvi Zalkow, I suggested everyone view his presentation, “I’m a failed writer.” If you missed it, today’s challenge is for you. Pop over to his site. Watch all 14 minutes of “I’m a failed writer #1: Revisions.” You’ll … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Revision, Writing, Writing Challenge
Tagged failed writer, writing advice, writing prompts, Yuvi Zalkow
9 Comments
Continuity of Voice: Three Dynamic Examples
We all fall in love with books for different reasons. But without a strong, consistent voice, no matter how great the story, readers won’t connect at that love-level. As fiction writers, and especially as novelists, we need to establish our … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Fiction, Writing
Tagged fitness blog, Gina Ochsner, voice, Wendy Burden, writing advice
6 Comments
Writing Challenge #5: The Parsnip
This is a giant parsnip. Sometimes writers get timid on the page. Unsure. We let our anxieties, or our fear about what people might think, get in the way of the work we’re trying to do. This can make certain … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Writing Challenge
Tagged novel, parsnip, writing advice, writing prompt
15 Comments
Maybe I Need a Hug–or a Vacation
Time for a confession. My novel LOST NOTES has been frustrating me since I decided to examine my protagonist’s motivation. Instead of finding his, I lost mine. Then I walked away from the page. For more than a week, which … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Revision, Writing
Tagged editing, novel, publishing industry, writing advice
25 Comments
The Plot’s Intact, But Where’s the Motivation?
As I’ve mentioned, I’m new to writing plot-first. One of the biggest risks, apparently, is feeling disconnected from my characters. I know how my protagonist Henri reacts to the world around him, but not why. He thinks he’s living on borrowed … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Plot, Revision, Writing
Tagged character, editing, motivation, novel, protagonist, writing advice
12 Comments
Author Interview: Yuvi Zalkow on Humor, Submissions and Multimedia Presentations that Illustrate the Writing Life
Note: In August 2012, Yuvi’s book, now titled A Brilliant Novel in the Works, was released by MP Publishing. Here’s a more recent interview with Yuvi. Yuvi Zalkow draws people into his story worlds with witty lines, pitch-perfect dialogue and well-chosen details … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Seven Questions, Writing
Tagged Glimmer Train, interview, novel, rejections, Scrivener, submissions, writing advice, Yuvi Zalkow
4 Comments