I’ve been accused (well, criticized) for plopping my characters down in empty white spaces. They could be anywhere. Do more with the setting, I’m told. Then another reader asked if I was being paid by…
Not too long ago I posted a short story on a critique website. I’ve done this before, and have been satisfied with the results. Usually I get some fairly consistent comments with some specific ways…
The other day I got a phone call from what must have been the most incompetent scammer ever. “Uh, hello? Ma’am?” “Hello.” I’m thinking this is a telemarketer. “How are you?” (Said very warmly.) You’ve…
Lately I’ve been thinking about changing genres to try writing a novel. One of the things that makes me nervous about such an undertaking is the whole idea of character development. Would I be able…
Yesterday’s tips for writing a book covered some general ways to improve writing. Here are some specific pointers: Show, don’t Tell Every writing student has heard this, but what does it mean? Consider this simple…
The Good Book that Could Have Been Great Not too long ago I read a good book that could have been a great one. The story was compelling; the plot mirrored some troubling current events,…