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 the word. “Do you really need to describe all that?” Sigh. What to do? How to find that happy medium …
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 to make the story stronger. Not this time. I only got three critiques, which doesn’t give me much to go …
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 won a prize from the Publisher’s Clearinghouse.” (Said hesitantly, almost like a question.) “Really?” “Yes. And we want to make …
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 to create believable characters that readers would care about and want to know what happens to them? Good question. One …
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 example. “Marjorie was stunning.” I’ve just told you that she is a beautiful girl. “Marjorie’s dark shining hair tumbled over …
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, the author kept me guessing until the end. Sadly, the author made some writing errors that detracted from my enjoyment …